Steven Matz injury issues threaten Mets' postseason roster spot

Steven Matz has not pitched since September 24, and his recent diagnosis does not bode well for the Mets' playoff plans. General Manager Sandy Alderson took some fault for Matz's latest injury development, saying "I probably downplayed it too much at the outset."

After experiencing stiffness that forced him out of his last scheduled start, Matz was due to work out of the bullpen this weekend against the Washington Nationals while Terry Collins and company assessed what his postseason role would be. With this latest news, however, Matz is now considered doubtful to pitch during this weekend's series.

Matz's injury issues have almost overshadowed his brilliant—but brief—2015 big league debut. After just two starts, he suffered a tear to his lat muscle that kept him out of action for two months, then left his return start with a blister on his pitching hand.

To recap the last 12 weeks for Steven Matz: He made two brilliant starts, missed two months, left his first start back, started three more times, and now hasn't pitched in eight days. That's a 4-0 record with a 2.27 ERA over three months plus one major injury and now potentially a second.

Bartolo "Big Sexy" Colon, who along with Jon Niese had been seen as a bullpen option for the postseason, would likely find himself back in the starting rotation if Matz's problems don't improve.