Mets prized rookie Matz expected to throw off mound next week
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}JUPITER, FL - MARCH 2: Steven Matz #63 of the New York Mets throws the ball against the St Louis Cardinals during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium on March 2, 2014 in Jupiter, Florida. The Cardinals defeated the Mets 7-1. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
New York Mets rookie left-hander Steven Matz is expected to throw off a mound next week.
Matz has been sidelined since suffering a partially torn lat muscle early last month. He took the first step to a return by long-tossing Friday in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
The 24-year-old Matz won each of his first two major league starts in impressive fashion, limiting the Cincinnati Reds to two runs over five hits in his debut on June 28.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He followed that up with a dominant performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 5, tossing six scoreless innings while striking out eight.
(h/t NJ.com)