Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Steven Matz, LHP v. Jarred Cosart, RHP
24-year-old New York native, Matz, will make his much anticipated season debut on Monday. It will be his own version of a first home-opener. Not only is Matz ranked as the No. 1 prospect within the Mets organization, but he’s also a leading candidate for National League Rookie of the Year.
The lefty went through a rough start to Grapefruit League play this preseason, but finished off with a major bang, tossing 5.0 no-hit innings against the Chicago Cubs ‘A-team.’
In last year’s matchup with the Marlins, Matz threw 5.2 innings, allowing 2 runs.
Game 2: Noah Syndergaard, RHP v. Jose Fernandez, RHP
Alas, a matchup for the ages. A game between two of the nastiest pitchers in the game.
But, really, all eyes will be on the man they call Thor. The 23-year-old Syndergaard began his season with a bang, slinging 6 scoreless against in a victory against the Kansas City Royals. The 6-6, 245 pound righty struck out 9 batters in the process.
Much will be heard about Thor’s newest toy, the Warthen Slider, which, at one point last week, was clocked at 95 mph.
His opposition, Fernandez, has some good ‘stuff’ of his own. He owns 1.64 ERA when pitching at Citi Field.
Game 3: Logan Verrett v. Adam Conley
This, of course, is the ‘ugly duckling’ of the pitching duels, so to speak.
Logan Verrett, who is a relief pitcher by trade, is making the spot-start in place of ace Jacob deGrom, who’s absence is being deemed “precautionary,” due to lat-tightness.
The 25-year-old Verrett went 1-1 with a 3.63 ERA as a spot-starter in New York last season.
