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MMN Pitcher of the Week: Steven Matz

By Former Writers

September 10, 2013 2 Comments

steven-matz

With Las Vegas, Binghamton, and Kingsport eliminated from the playoffs this week, only one Mets minor league affiliate remains alive. The Savannah Sand Gnats completed a two-game sweep over the Augusta Green Jackets on Friday night, and they received a tremendous pitching performance from the Mets second round pick in 2009, Steven Matz. The southpaw held the Green Jackets without a run and he only allowed one runner on base while striking out eight. The only runner that reached base against Matz was Jesus Galindo on a ground ball single up the middle.

The 2013 season has been a breakout campaign for the 22-year-old left-hander. He finished the regular season with a 5-6 record, and owns a 2.62 ERA with 121 strikeouts in 106 innings pitched. Even though he suffered from injuries early in his professional career, he appears to be on the right path now. Matz possesses an electric arm and he is one of the most exciting pitching prospects in the Mets system.

Thoughts from Matt M.:

This was a no-brainer pick, especially considering the early exits the other affiliates had last week. After winning the opening game behind Gabriel Ynoa, it was up to Matz to slam the door and give the Gnats a chance at a SAL Championship, and he did exactly that.

We all know the amount of solid pitching prospects the Mets have in their minor league system, but Matz is special because he, unlike many others, is left-handed. It seems as though it’s just him and Darin Gorski holding the torch for southpaw starting pitchers on the New York farm, and they’re both doing a heck of a job. After being sidelined with injuries to start his career, Matz is now starting to show his potential with health being on his side. I would really like to see him skip over High-A St. Lucie and go straight to Binghamton next year to see how he performs agianst the Eastern League.

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