Steven Matz’s trip to the DL is just the latest blow the Mets have suffered on the injury front this season.
The only thing fans can hope — beyond a speedy recovery — is an accurate diagnosis. This season, the Mets have been incredibly inaccurate when projecting the recovery time for injuries.
Matz went on the shelf for at least three weeks Thursday with a partially torn lat muscle. The lefty phenom had reported soreness before his last start, on Sunday against the Dodgers, but he took the hill anyway for his second major league appearance.
Here’s a look at the original diagnoses and the actual severity of some of their other injuries:
Zack Wheeler, elbow tendinitis
Before: Not expected to be major issue
“We don’t think it’s serious because it’s something he’s experienced before and it’s sort of an intermittent issue that he has to manage. At this point, we don’t expect it’s going to be a major issue. Again, he’s been seen for this in the past.” — GM Sandy Alderson, March 13
After: Tommy John surgery, out for season
David Wright, hamstring strain
Before: Three weeks
“Hopefully, with a mild strain he’ll be back sooner than normal for these things. Two weeks would be great. Three weeks is probably the expectation.” — Manager Terry Collins, April 15
After: Spinal stenosis, return unknown
Rafael Montero, rotator cuff inflammation
Before: Brief shutdown, not expected to be serious
“We don’t expect this to be serious. But it’s another example of what can happen with any starting pitcher.” — Alderson, April 30
After: Return unknown
Daniel Murphy, quad strain
Before: Expected to come off disabled list after 15 games
“It’s not real serious. But David [Wright’s] hamstring wasn’t very serious, either.” — Collins, June 5
After: Missed 22 games
Travis d’Arnaud, hyperextended elbow
Before: Day-to-day
“The hyperextended elbow, I know it hurts, but we’ve got tape. Those things you can take care of it. I know in an emergency, if we need him tomorrow, he’d be available.” — Collins, June 20
After: Sprained elbow, return unknown