Steven Matz and Seth Lugo are making progress

Steven Matz and Seth Lugo have yet to throw a pitch for the Mets this season, but the injured starters are making progress in their bids to return to the mound. According to Terry Collins, Matz and Lugo have both been throwing from 120 feet with no discomfort and are now ready to move on to mound work.

Matz has been out since March with what he called a flexor tendon strain, though Mets team doctors found nothing wrong with his elbow. Matz has had a history of arm troubles, including past Tommy John surgery, and a bone spur that required surgery to remove this past offseason.

Lugo’s trouble stems from a partial UCL tear in his right elbow. He’s been trying to work through the injury without having Tommy John surgery, so the news that he’s been able to throw without pain is particularly encouraging.

The Mets have been targeting a mid-May return for Matz, though it’s anyone’s guess when he’ll actually be ready to rejoin the club. The Mets’ rotation could certainly use a boost and Matz’s return would certainly provide that.

Lugo’s position with the team is more uncertain. He was on the bubble heading in to the season, but with the state of the Mets’ bullpen and their recent performance, it’s almost certain Lugo would be given a shot to show what he can do if he’s able to retake the mound.