The latest in the land of the New York Mets revolves around Matt Harvey’s last fantastic start and Robert Gsellman nailing down a role.
Matt Harvey took the rubber for his last spring tune up on Sunday prior to Opening Day and contributed his best Grapefruit League outing. The Dark Knight went six innings, surrendered five hits and allowed two runs, both earned with four strikeouts and one base on balls. “Today, he amped it up a little bit,” Collins said. As Harvey touched 97 on the radar gun for the first time since returning from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.
Steven Matz has been scratched from his scheduled start today do to elbow irritation. Doctors say Matz has absolutely no structural damage, indicating that the irritation is likely related to the bone spurs procedure Matz underwent last September. Matz will throw on flat ground today.
On Sunday, Jon Heyman reported that Robert Gsellman has won a rotation spot to start the season. Gsellman compiled a very impressive spring, posting a 1.56 ERA, .224 BAA and 1.10 WHIP over 5 appearances covering 17 1/3 innings. He is likely to fill the fifth spot in rotation, but could be bumped to fourth if Matz is unable to start the season. If this occurs, Seth Lugo would be the likely candidate to take the final spot with Wheeler as a possible long shot. Wheeler is very likely to be held back for extended spring training.
Gsellman to get mets rotation spot. Mets hope Matz (elbow) will be OK but likely to play cautiously. Last spot: Zack or Lugo
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 26, 2017
Speaking of Zack Wheeler, on Monday with the Mets taking on the Washington Nationals, the youngster took the ball and went five innings strong, only allowing two hits and no runs while striking out three.
.@Wheelerpro45 throws 5⃣ shutout innings as we take the road game against Miami! #MetsWin pic.twitter.com/aHMT0oQndU
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 27, 2017
On Thursday the Mets will be taking on their AAA affiliate the Las Vegas 51’s. Mets currently have 36 players remaining in camp and would likely be making their final roster preparations for both clubs prior to their matchup.
