4 years agoNew York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz was absolutely lit up by the Nationals on Monday over 4 1/3 innings pitched. On the same day teammate Marcus Stroman opted-out of the 2020 season, Matz allowed eight hits including three home runs, eight earned runs, and walked one, while striking out five. Matz has now given up a ridiculous 17 earned runs over 18 2/3 IP on the season resulting in a 8.20 ERA to go with a 1.50 WHIP. Since his solid season debut against Atlanta back in July, Matz has been horrible. Matz, now the de facto number two starter in New York due to Stroman's opt-out and Noah Syndergaard's season-ending elbow injury, was a pre-season breakout candidate. In the second half of 2019, Matz struck out 75 in 79 1/3 IP and posted a 3.52 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Matz has been unable to carry over his strong 2019 second half success into 2020. His performance on Monday emphatically underscored the Mets' current pitching woes. Owners in shallow leagues should feel free to remove Matz from rosters. Owners in deeper leagues may wish to see if Matz can bounce back in his next couple of starts before making a decision to cut him. That said, it gets no easier for Matz with his next match up slated to be against the potent Phillies offense.--Nick Ritrivi - RotoBaller
Source: Tim Healey on Twitter