Mets injury update: Steven Matz to throw from a mound on Saturday

On a day in which Mets fans have already received positive news about Jacob deGrom and Lucas Duda, the Post’s Mike Puma now reports that Steven Matz is scheduled to throw off of a mound on Saturday in Port St. Lucie. Matz played catch earlier in the week, and it evidently went well enough that he’s ready to move forward as he works towards a return to the major league rotation. The organization has not announced a target date for Matz, but this is a good sign.

If the Mets can return Matz and deGrom to the rotation and keep them healthy, they will combine with Noah Syndergaard and Bartolo Colon to form a solid front four of the starting rotation for a potential postseason run. As the only lefty in the rotation, Matz provides particular value against a slate of potential opponents that includes a slew of dangerous lefties including Corey Seager, Anthony Rizzo, Bryce Harper, and Daniel Murphy.

Luckily, the Mets have not been particularly worse for wear in Matz’s absence. Rookies Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo have been more than serviceable as fill-ins for a Mets rotation depleted by injury. Still, Matz is a more proven starter than either Gsellman or Lugo. The Mets will want him healthy for the stretch run, and his presence will be critical if they make the postseason.