Terry Collins has said rookie LHP Steven Matz will be available to pitch in relief of Noah Syndergaard tonight against the Royals in in Kansas City.
Matz, who is from East Setauket, NY, is expected to get his first start of the season this weekend against the Phillies, or early next week against the Marlins.
In his final start of the spring, Matz tossed 91 pitches for five shutout innings against the Cubs in Las Vegas, during which he struck out six batters and did not allow a hit or run.
In six starts for the Mets last season, he was 4-0 with a 2.