WASHINGTON — The Mets are getting a rotation boost.
Steven Matz is scheduled to return from the injured list Saturday, giving the team 80 percent of its Opening Day rotation. The left-hander missed the past two weeks with nerve irritation in his left forearm that necessitated a cortisone shot.
Matz was cleared to pitch against the Marlins after meeting with manager Mickey Callaway prior to the 7-6 loss to the Nationals on Thursday. A day earlier, Matz threw a bullpen session and reported that he was fine to proceed.
Even with Matz’s return the Mets won’t be at full strength: Jason Vargas remains sidelined with a strained left hamstring and is scheduled for a rehab start Sunday with Double-A Binghamton. Vargas last pitched on May 5, leaving a start in Milwaukee with hamstring discomfort.
In need of a starter for Monday against the Nationals, the Mets are considering Drew Gagnon in Wilmer Font’s spot.
The Mets are monitoring Anthony Kay, who is dominating at Binghamton, but the lefty hasn’t been deemed ready for a big-league shot. There is expectation, however, the 24-year-old will reach the major leagues this season.
Font lasted just 2 ¹/₃ innings against the Nationals on Wednesday, allowing five earned runs in his second start with the Mets since arriving in a trade with the Rays last week. Gagnon relieved Font and fired 2 ²/₃ scoreless innings to bolster his stock.
“I really like the way [Gagnon] has been throwing out of the bullpen for us,” Callaway said. “He has the ability to bounce back, he can get loose, he’s done this in the past and he’s thrown the ball well within his role. I love his slider. I like the fact that he came in [Wednesday] strike one with a plus slider and he goes out there and is getting outs.”
Jacob deGrom will open the three-game series in Miami before Matz and Noah Syndergaard complete the weekend rotation.
The Mets had discussed reinserting Vargas into the rotation, but want to get him back into a routine before his return to the team.
Dominic Smith started at first base as a reward for the pinch-hit homer he hit Tuesday night. Smith went 0-for-5 and Pete Alonso was hitless in a pinch-hitting appearance.
The Mets will hold “Seinfeld Night” on July 5 at Citi Field, during which Jerry Seinfeld will reunite with Keith Hernandez on the field, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the hit sitcom’s launch. The first 25,000 fans for that game against the Phillies will receive a Jerry Seinfeld co-branded bobblehead.