LOS ANGELES — During his first postseason news conference as Mets manager, Terry Collins became animated at times while telling stories about his past and his team for a national audience, using his hands to make a point and delivering punch lines on cue. He did not look worried about who his fourth starter would be.
Collins had received word from the Mets’ spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla., that Steven Matz had thrown about 90 pitches in a simulated game, kept his velocity consistent throughout and felt fine afterward. If Matz can play catch without pain Friday, he will probably start Game 4 of the National League division series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.