New York Mets: Steven Matz Headed To Disabled List (Report)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 06: Steven Matz #32 of the New York Mets pitches in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on August 6, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

New York Mets starter Steven Matz is reportedly heading to the disabled list—again.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Staying healthy hasn’t been Steven Matz‘s thing…ever. Nobody’s blaming Matz for being injury prone, of course. To do that would be crazy.

It’s hard not to feel for the guy, who Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports is likely headed to the disabled list with…something.

Team sources, however, told Ackert that “the team is concerned that Matz is dealing with an arthritic left elbow. He received a shot in the elbow on Monday.” That’s something, alright.

Sure, this elbow issue could explain why he’s been so ineffective this season. Over 13 starts, he’s pitched to a 6.08 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. Opponents are hitting a robust .305 with a .860 OPS against him.

But this is a reason for concern.

Since being drafted by the team in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft, Matz has cracked the 100-inning mark only three times. While he’s still young, there’s no possible way the Mets can count on him ever being able to make 30-plus starts a year.

Veteran journeyman Tommy Milone (0-2, 10.50 ERA) is expected to take Matz’s place Tuesday night against Arizona.

Update: Newsday’s Marc Carig reports that Matz has been diagnosed with a nerve issue similar to the one that sidelined Jacob deGrom last season. Surgery is an option.

I've been dunked on by Shaq and yelled at by Mickey Mantle. ESNY Editor In Chief. UMass alum. Former National Columnist w/Bleacher Report & former member of NY Knicks Basketball Ops department. Nephew of Rock & Roll Royalty.