MLB: Spring Training-Washington Nationals at New York Mets
New York Mets relief pitcher Seth Lugo (67) will start throwing on Wednesday. (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
(Jasen Vinlove)
NEW YORK-- Mets general manager Sandy Alderson and manager Terry Collins both confirmed that pitchers Seth Lugo (elbow) and Steven Matz (elbow) will begin throwing Wednesday.
The duo will start with 75-feet long toss and progress to 150-feet before throwing off a mound, Alderson said.
He added it will "take a while" before the two return.
Lugo, a right-hander, was competing with Rafael Montero for the final spot in the Mets' bullpen before being placed on the 10-day disabled list with a partial UCL tear.
As far as Lugo's progression, Alderson admitted that only time will tell.
"The purpose of the rest is to let everything quiet down," Alderson said. "Then (we'll) crank it back up and see how (his elbow) responds. I don't think that we have any more real information than we had a couple of weeks ago. We hope that as time goes on, he responds well and there are no more set backs."
Matz, a left-hander, missed his final spring training start and was shutdown for three weeks due to inflammation in his left elbow. He was put on the disabled list to start the season after receiving PRP injections.
Much like Lugo, the Mets are still unsure what caused Matz' discomfort, but Alderson said his progression will "move forward in the absence of symptoms."
Alderson admitted it was possible that Matz could return by the end of May, but he must go through a "full rehab program."
He explained the program as starting with a couple of weeks rest, progressing to long toss, which begins tomorrow, throwing off a mound and having five or six starts before rejoining the team.
Lugo started eight games and went 5-2 with a 2.67 ERA last year, while Matz went 9-8 last season with a 3.40 ERA in 132 innings.
Richard Greco may be reached at rgreco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RichardGrecohs.
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