Not a stretch to say Matz is having issues
Steven Matz continues to struggle, continues to not execute with runners on base, and he is currently searching for answers as to why he cannot make those pitches. “I’m really not sure at the moment,” Matz said Sunday after his latest setback, allowing five runs in 5.2 innings in the Mets’ 8-0 loss to the Dodgers. “I’ve just got to address it, look at video, get with Dan (Warthen) and just see where I’m going wrong with runners on, working out of the stretch.”
Matz gave up three runs in the first after Justin Turner was originally ruled out on a caught stealing but was safe after the Dodgers successfully challenged. Matz is 0-4 with an 11.03 ERA in his last six starts.
“It’s shocking,” Terry Collins said of Matz’s rough patch. “This guy’s got way too good of stuff.”
Collins was asked if the Mets would consider sending Matz to Triple-A Las Vegas.
“Tough place to get your head together in that league,” Collins said. “When you start talking about sending guys down, one of the things you always have to consider is who’s gonna replace him? With (Robert) Gsellman out and (Matt Harvey) and Noah (Syndergaard) and (Tommy) Milone, I’d have to say right now we have to worry about getting him better here.”
ROSARIO SCENARIO
Collins feels top prospect Amed Rosario has shown positive signs in his first week in the big leagues after making his major-league debut on Tuesday. After going 0-for-3 Sunday, he’s 4-for-22 with two triples, an RBI, stolen base and eight strikeouts in six games but has impressed defensively.
“You can see that this kid’s gonna be a very good player,” Collins said. “Obviously there’s a lot of things he’s gonna learn how to do and he’s gonna do that on his own because he’s a sharp kid. But he’s got great athleticism, plays with great energy, he’s handled playing shortstop brilliantly.”
The manager feels it’s important for Rosario to be up in August rather than waiting until September when rosters expand.
“In August we’re playing teams that are really grinding it out in the hunt,” Collins said. “A lot of times in September, you’re playing, you’re seeing call-ups. He’s not right now, so he’s gonna get a taste of what it’s like and it’s gonna be very beneficial for him to be up here at this time.”
Rosario, who had been hitting seventh, was dropped to eighth Sunday because Collins wanted Travis d’Arnaud up a spot.
JAY’S PAIN IN NECK
Jay Bruce was out of the lineup Sunday for the second straight day with a stiff neck, which he says he developed on the team’s flight home from Denver Thursday. Bruce hopes to return to the lineup on Tuesday.
HARVEY THROWS PEN
Harvey, on the DL with a stress injury to the scapula bone in his right shoulder, said his Sunday bullpen session went “very well.” Collins said Harvey will throw batting practice on Tuesday. … Juan Lagares (thumb) went 2-for-4 and played five innings for Double-A Binghamton, for whom Gsellman (hamstring) pitched 2.2 innings and gave up six runs (three earned.)