Mets trying to create opening in rotation for 51s’ Matz
Steven Matz can’t help but hear all the speculation swirling from New York to Las Vegas: the overcrowded pitching staff, the trade rumors and, of course, the first major league call-up.
There’s no way to avoid it, being the No. 2 overall prospect in the New York Mets’ organization.
But rather than look ahead and dwell on things out of his control, the 24-year-old left-hander prefers living in the moment with the 51s.
It’s a time that’s been good to him this season, as Matz leads the Pacific Coast League in strikeouts (81) and innings pitched (78.1) and is tied for first in wins (6), even though he’s coming off a shaky outing Thursday at Cashman Field. Pitching a season-low four innings in an 11-6 win over Reno, he allowed four runs, all earned, on five hits and three walks with six strikeouts.
“Honestly, I don’t really think about it too much,” Matz said. “I hear the talks about it and stuff, but I’ve got to stay focused with my work. This is a tough league to pitch in. There are a lot of good hitters. A lot of big league players that come up and down. If I let that stuff get to me, it could snowball on you quick.”
Fueled by a fastball that reaches the upper 90s and two above-average off-speed pitches, Matz (6-4, 2.30 ERA) has been one of the dominant pitchers in the hitter-friendly PCL. As a result, he has all but forced Mets general manager Sandy Alderson to seek a trade to create an opening for him in one of the majors’ deepest rotations that includes Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Bartolo Colon, Jonathon Niese, Noah Syndergaard and Dillon Gee.
Alderson also has Zack Wheeler, who is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, on his mind.
Several reports suggest Niese and Gee could be the odd man out to make room for Matz.
“It means a lot that I’m in the talks right now, but I still got to focus down here,” Matz said. “Like (Thursday), I think it was a lack of focus. It kind of got me. So I really just want to continue to do well down here before I think ahead.”
Matz said pitching coach Frank Viola, a left-hander who won 176 games and was a three-time All-Star during his 15-year career in the majors, has been instrumental in his development.
“He really helps me with the mental part of the game,” Matz said. “Just being mentally prepared. With outings like (Thursday), we’re going to sit down and talk about minor adjustments I have to make. He’s really good with stuff like that.”
Matz, who missed his first two seasons following Tommy John surgery after being drafted in the second round in 2009, said he is pleased with how his first season in Triple A has gone, but he remained somewhat critical.
“I’ve been walking a lot of guys, more than I’d like. That’s something I need to be better at,” Matz said. “And just getting ahead of guys. Other than that, I’m pretty happy with where I’m at so far.”
When asked about the Mets’ crowded rotation and Matz’s eventual call-up — which many think will happen in the next few weeks — 51s manager Wally Backman was straightforward.
“They’ll find time for him,” he said. “When they decide to call Steven up, he’ll be ready. He’s going to be ready, and he’s going to be absolutely fine. He’s going to pitch very, very well when he gets his opportunity.”
51s catcher Johnny Monell said: “He’s big league ready. It’s just a matter of a spot needing to be opened up. The kid has unbelievable stuff. He’s got a plus-plus fastball from the left side, a good changeup and a breaking ball. … His time will come, and when it does, I’m sure he’ll take it and run with it.”
But there will be some anxious moments when that time arrives.
“I’ll definitely have butterflies,” Matz said. “I’m just going to try to keep everything the same and not try to do too much. Just do what I’ve been doing here and hopefully it translates.”
■ NOTES — Matt Reynolds’ bases-loaded single to deep right field with no outs in the ninth inning lifted the 51s to a 3-2 win over Reno on Friday at Cashman Field.
Reynolds also had a sacrifice fly during Las Vegas’ two-run seventh as the 51s (33-29) overcame a 2-0 deficit. Danny Worth hit a two-out, two-run homer in the fourth for the Aces (26-35), who were outhit 10-6.
Las Vegas starter Tyler Pill gave up two runs on six hits and six walks in seven innings. Johnny Monell, Brandon Allen, Jayce Boyd and T.J. Rivera had two hits each for the 51s.
Contact reporter Ashton Ferguson at aferguson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430. Follow him on Twitter: @af_ferguson.
