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The Important Thing For Steven Matz Was Staying Healthy

By Former Writers

November 23, 2013 No comments

steven-matz

How many times do we see solid prospects fizzle out due to injury? I figure it happens more with pitchers than at any other position. Scouts try to project a pitcher’s long term health, but it always feels like a gamble with the draft these days. Freak injuries, lack of conditioning, and pure bad luck can all turn a potential star into a career minor leaguer. I guess that’s why I feel a little happier to see Steven Matz succeed — stories that tell the opposite, an injured player who still carries a ton of potential, are nice to hear.

Before last year, Matz only pitched in six professional games after a Tommy John surgery in 2010. However, he was spectacular in 2013, with just a 2.62 ERA in 106.1 innings pitched for Savannah this season. He struck out 122 over that span. He also made two post-season starts, where he did not allow a run in either. It was easy to see how excited Paul DePodesta was about Matz’s strong season:

“I think we were just so happy for Steven,” DePodesta said. “He’s put in so much work and so much time and all the rehab … and had gotten to a point where he could pitch a full season. He had a terrific year, his ERA was great and he struck out a ton of a guys. He has a plus changeup to go with his fastball.

“The thing we were happiest about was his 21 regular-season starts. Just the fact that he was able to take the ball that many times and have no injuries. He’s always had the stuff, it was just a matter of him being healthy.”

Matz jumped into the Top-10 Mets Prospects after his work in 2013, and could work his way up to being our top prospect by the end of 2014 if he turns in another season like he did last year. Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero will make their MLB debuts this year, so Matz is in for a jump on the list once they move on. He’s always an entertaining pitcher to watch, so I’m looking forward to seeing him dominate again.