Bringing Matzy back: Steven to start Sunday

PHOENIX -- The Mets rotation was thrown into another loop on Wednesday when Steven Matz had to be pushed back because of a blister on the middle finger of his left hand. The injuryprone lefty was scheduled to pitch Thursday night in the series-opener against the Diamondbacks, but will now pitch on Sunday.

The Mets started lefthander Jason Vargas Thursday night instead.

Matz said he first noticed the blister prior to the Mets’ 2-0 loss to the Braves on Wednesday.

“I was throwing, the skin peeled off and then I went to the training room to have them clean it up and cut it off,” Matz said. “I guess once they saw that they decided it would be better (to push back the start). We have the luxury of doing that (since) Vargas didn’t pitch (the last time through the rotation) to give it a couple of extra days to heal.”

Matz threw a light side session before the game at Chase Field and said he was confident that he will be able to make his Sunday start.

Vargas last pitched on June 5.

Pitchers use the middle finger to apply pressure on the ball to create spin, therefore any issue with it affects their ability to pitch effectively. Matz has already had an issue with the same finger this season. In a fluke accident while he was batting, he let the bat fly, pulling back his middle finger. He had to leave that game early with what the team later called a “very, very mild” finger strain.

BRUCE GETTING A BLOW

Struggling slugger Jay Bruce was not in the lineup Thursday, just like Mets manager Mickey Callaway insinuated would be the case the day before. Bruce is dealing with a tight/sore lower back/hip/ buttock issue.

“We’re going to give him today off (and) probably tomorrow off,” Callaway said. “He’s not even available to pinch-hit. You won’t see him out there today.”

While Bruce may need Thursday to rest physically, he probably could use the mental break too. He is hitting just .216 with a .327 slugging percentage and a .624 OPS. He has hit three homers and 17 RBI in 61 games.

“I think he will get a breather mentally. What we are trying to do is get him healthy, so he can go out there and do his job,” Callaway said.

BULLPEN HELP

Chris Beck, the righthander the Mets claimed off waivers from the White Sox Wednesday, joined the Mets in Phoenix.

Callaway remembers Beck’s potential from watching him in the AL Central.

“I’ve seen Chris throw quite a bit across the field when I was with the Indians and he was with the White Sox,” Callaway said. “He as a really good arm, good stuff and not scared to challenge guys.”

David Peterson was sent to Triple-A to make room on the roster.

FLORES CLOSE

Wilmer Flores, who has been on the disabled list since May 28 with lower back soreness, is close to returning after playing seven innings in a minor league rehab game Wednesday night, Callaway said.

“Flo is imminent,” Callaway said.

FAMILIA EN ROUTE

Jeurys Familia is expected to face batters in the next few days and the Mets are hopeful he could come off the disabled list soon after that.