New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz threw 80 pitches during a simulated game on Thursday in Port St. Lucie, FL.
The simulation was done with the possibility that if healthy, Matz could be the potential Game 4 starter for the Mets during the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The rookie left-hander has been out for two weeks due to back spasms.
"I felt really good," Matz told reporters, according to ESPN.com. "I took two weeks off, so I was a little rusty the first couple innings, but I feel really good, really strong. My arm feels great, back feels great. I'm ready to go."
Matz's fastball was regularly around 94 mph. The coaching staff will evaluate before making a decision on whether the 24-year-old will pitch in the series or not. The Mets could possibly send Jacob deGrom out there on three days rest after his schedule Game 1 start on Friday. Matz's last start was on Sept. 24.
In only six starts this season, Matz had a 4-0 record with a 2.27 ERA.