New York Mets: Steven Matz cleared for offseason activities 1
Aug 14, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets left-handed pitcher Steven Matz has been cleared to resume workouts after offseason surgery

After the discovery of bone spurs via an MRI in June, New York Mets left-handed pitcher Steven Matz decided to pitch through the pain, as the bone spurs weren’t causing any damage in the southpaw’s throwing elbow.

Although he did pitch into August, a shoulder impingement caused inflammation in his left shoulder and eventually ended his season prematurely.

Matz burst onto the scene in 2015 with back-to-back wins before a back injury sidelined him for two months. He pitched four games in Sept., finishing the regular season with a 4-0 record while sporting a pretty 2.27 ERA, while also hitting .286 with five RBI’s.

Thankfully, those injuries are in the past now as Matz has been cleared to participate in offseason workers by doctors, as he released the news in a radio interview with WOR radio on Thursday.

“I got cleared,” Matz told WOR via Newsday. “The doctors said you’re good to go, progress with your normal offseason.”

For the first time ever, it appears that all of the Mets stellar young pitching staff will be ready to be a part of the rotation at the same time.

Both Matt Harvey (thoracic outlet syndrome) and Jacob deGrom (ulnar nerve) both saw injuries derail their 2016 seasons. Zack Wheeler missed all of the 2016 season recovering from Tommy John Surgery. All three are expected to be ready to pitch come spring training, although Wheeler may be used in the bullpen to start the 2016 season.

Steven Matz was pitching well in his official rookie season, sporting a 3.30 ERA with a 9-8 record and 122 strikeouts in 22 starts before being sidelined with the shoulder injury that ended his season.

Sports have always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Born in Queens, New York, I took to the Mets and the Jets at a young age, and actually have a video of myself reciting the 1986 Mets 25-man roster at age 3. Covering New York Sports is a dream come true. After attending the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, I was able to fully realise my potential of turning my liking for sports into a career that I love.