MATZ CAN’T SHAKE PAIN
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Steven Matz’s chances of beginning the season with the Mets have moved into the “unlikely” category.
The Mets lefty was expected to undergo an MRI exam Wednesday, as a follow-up to a checkup last week when the club was made aware of discomfort in his elbow.
“It’s unlikely Steven starts the season with us,” manager Terry Collins said after the Mets played to a 2-2 exhibition tie with the Braves.
Matz had t h rowi n g sessions Monday and Tuesday in which the discomfort persisted, according to Collins, causing team officials to scrap thoughts of him testing the elbow from the mound before Opening Day.
“We don’t plan on having him pitch the next few days,” Collins said.
Seth Lugo, Zack Wheeler and Rafael Montero are three names Collins mentioned as possibilities to take Matz’s turn in the rotation. Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom and Matt Harvey have been assigned the first three games of the season against the Braves, but the rest of the rotation has not yet bee less n n,, Robert announced. Gsellman Neverthe-is expected to be one of thef five starters. M Montero’s candidacy after comesa afo dominant spring in which he posted a 1.77 ERA. The righty is also a possibility for the bullpen, as the Mets mull the idea of eight relievers to begin the season.
“He throws strikes. ... We always knew he had the command,” Collins said.
“He j us t a lways k i nd of pitched to the edges, and now he’s using the plate and throwing the ball over the plate and his stuff is playing.”
Juan Lagares worked out at the Mets’ complex in Port St. Lucie and will be evaluated for potential action in Thursday’s exhibition game against Triple-A Las Vegas. Collins has indicated he would like to see Lagares, who tweaked his left oblique last weekend, appear in a game before he is considered for a spot on the Opening Day roster. If Lagares is placed on the disabled list, the Mets are expected to begin the season with Michael Conforto as the backup center fielder. Tim Tebow went 0-for3 with a walk to conclude the Grapefruit League season with a .148 batting aaverage.age. The forformer Heisman Trophy winner is scheduled to begin the season at Single AA Columbia. “He is a t re - mendous kid and we wish him al l t he bes t ,” Coll i ns said. “To do what he is attempting to do is not easy for anyone.one. He’s got special makeup. He’s a winner. He knows athletics, and I wish him the best, and I hope he enjoys t he journey.”