Mets News: Neil Walker, Steven Matz Injury Updates

New York Mets News: Steven Matz and Neil Walker both received bad news regarding their respective injuries.

New York Mets news was not positive today. The Mets are in an important series with the Miami Marlins this week as they battle for a playoff spot. But, some of the reinforcements that they were hoping to get back, will not be coming.

The first problem arising today comes from the pitching staff. Steven Matz has been dealing with injuries since he was selected by the Mets in the 209 MLB Draft. This season he has dealt with bone spurs in his elbow and most recently with his left shoulder.

There was hope that Matz would be returning to the field Thursday in the series finale against the Marlins, but that no longer will be happening. Marc Craig of Newsday said that Matz has suffered a setback and will not be pitching Thursday. Instead, the Mets will be moving Jacob deGrom up a day.

Matz had a setback. Shoulder's still barking. Not pitching Thursday. DeGrom moved up a day.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) August 30, 2016

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Matz originally landed on the disabled list August 22nd, retroactive to August 15th. He was dealing with a strained muscle in the shoulder, and the Mets were hopeful he would get back on the field Thursday. That is no longer in the cards, as Matz will be held out until at least next Tuesday, September 6th.

That’s not the only damning news that the Mets received today. Second baseman Neil Walker received some bad news today, relayed by manager Terry Collins.

Walker has been bothered by a balky back throughout August, and has missed the last two games. He is set to miss a third consecutive game tonight, and concerns are rising.

Collins expressed his concerns about Walker’s back to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, saying there is a lot of concern.

"There's a lot of concern" over Neil Walker, Terry Collins says. His back has been bothering him for much of August. #Mets
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 30, 2016

This is worrisome for the Mets, as they continue to be crushed by injuries. Collins also expressed that Walker may not be an everyday player for the team, as his back may not allow him to get out there consistently.

While that would be a big blow for the Mets overall, they have the players to replace him. Wilmer Flores has been good this season, and Jose Reyes has really come on since his DL stint. Kelly Johnson is also on the bench still, and rosters will expand Thursday once the minor league season ends.

While an injury to Walker isn’t going to help the Mets, it is one that they can handle. Matz being out for an extended period of time will be more difficult overcome. They already have Matt Harvey out for the season and are looking to get rest for other starters, such as deGrom.

Next: 5 Reasons The New York Mets Will Miss The Postseason

Replacing Matz will be a much more difficult task for the Mets, as their pitching staff depth is already being challenged. But any injuries for a team battling for a playoff spot, as the Mets are, could be the final dagger in the Mets’ playoff chances.

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