New York Mets News: Updates On David Wright, Steven Matz, And Others
Coming off two devastating extra-inning losses to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the New York Mets’ crew of reinforcements continue to rehab so they can meet the Mets in the majors soon.
First, Mets captain and third baseman David Wright is about halfway done with his rehab assignment, according to the New York Daily News. In his latest rehab game with Class A St. Lucie on Saturday, Wright went 0-for-3 while playing seven innings at third base. The night prior, went 2-for-5 while playing the entire game at third base, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Wright also committed an error in that game on Friday. Now, Wright is 4-for-14 in minor league games since beginning his road back to the majors earlier this week. Rubin notes that if all goes well, Wright could rejoin the team for next weekend’s series against the Colorado Rockies.
In just eight games this season, Wright is hitting .333 with one HR and four RBI as he looks to complete his comeback from spinal stenosis.
In the same game on Saturday, young left-hander and top prospect Steven Matz had his first rehab outing, and the results were encouraging. Scheduled for about 25 pitches or so, Matz threw one inning and gave up one earned run on three hits. He also struck out two batters while throwing 23 pitches.
The earlier report from the Daily News mentions that Matz felt no discomfort in his torn left lat muscle. After the game, Matz spoke with the outlet to discuss how he felt in his first live game action since suffering the injury.
“I was really happy with the way things went. I felt no discomfort. I probably need a couple of more outings.”
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Matz is scheduled to return at the beginning of September. While the first outing was encouraging and Matz wants to help the big league club as soon as possible, he did admit to wanting to be careful as proceeds further.
“Watching the team is exciting. I really want to get back up there and help but I don’t want to rush anything.”
In two starts in 2015, Matz is 2-0 with a 1.32 ERA.
Matz and Wright are the two big names on the comeback trail, but several other players who’ve seen time in the majors this season are rehabbing as well. Among those names is outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The 28-year-old has bounced around a lot in 2015, being designated for assignment by the Mets and traded to the Los Angeles Angels. However, he found his way back to New York and had a day to remember.
On July 12, in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field, Nieuwenhuis hit three HR in one game, becoming the first player in Mets history to hit three HR in one game at home.
He hit the DL on August 2 with a pinched nerve in his neck. On Friday, Nieuwenhuis went 1-for-4 with a two-run HR and a fielding error in center field for the St. Lucie Mets. It was noted that he hit the ball hard every time at bat.
However, when he is ready to return, Nieuwenhuis’ spot on the roster could be in flux, as there would be no optimal candidate to be sent down or designated for assignment in his place. If the Mets attempt to send him down to Triple-A, they would have to pass him through waivers. Also, Nieuwenhuis could elect free agency in that situation.
On the season, Nieuwenhuis is hitting .188 with three HR and 13 RBI.
Additionally, left-handed pitcher Erik Goeddel is also rehabbing from an elbow strain in the minors. In his latest appearance on Friday, he allowed two runs on two hits and one walk. His velocity was said to be sitting around the 92-94 mph range.
Rubin tweets that Goeddel has been sent up to a higher level to continue rehabbing.
Erik Goeddel’s rehab assignment has moved to Double-A Binghamton #Mets.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) August 16, 2015
In 22 appearances this season, Goeddel was pitching to a 1.96 ERA in 23 innings.
[Images by Denis Poroy, Rich Schultz, and Alex Trautwig/Getty Images]
