"We just talked today about trying in the next day or two to get him in the game somehow, if the situation works out," Collins said. "We're not going to put him in a situation where all hell can break loose."
In the past, Collins has talked about Matz's extended injury history, including a Tommy John surgery in 2010, as reason to avoid him out of the bullpen. But the Mets believe they can dictate a relatively stress-free scenario for Matz to pitch in Game 1 or 2, most likely turning to him to start an inning.
"If we have to use him," Collins said, "we'll use him.