Mets’ Steven Matz says he has strained flexor tendon
The official reason for Steven Matz’s latest stint on the disabled list is “left elbow inflammation.” But the Mets lefthander said doctors have diagnosed him with a strained flexor tendon in his elbow.
“From my understanding, it’s like a flexor strain, I strained my flexor,” Matz said Monday before the Mets began the season with a 6-0 win over the Braves. “That’s kind of what the feeling is, that the flexor tendon is kind of flaring up.”
In many cases, flexor tendon strains simply require rest. In others, they can lead to corrective surgery or can even be precursors to Tommy John surgery.
In Matz’s case, the Mets have said tests have revealed no damage to the ligament, which already has been replaced during Tommy John surgery earlier in his career. Matz already has undergone a platelet-rich plasma injection to promote healing in his flexor tendon. He will be shut down from throwing for three weeks.
“Personally, I love to play baseball and now I can’t play baseball,” said Matz, who until now had never dealt with a flexor tendon issue. “Professionally, it’s my job, and now I can’t do it. On both ends, it’s really unfortunate.”
Matz, 25, is regarded as part of the Mets’ stable of talented young arms. But the Long Island native has been derailed by injuries throughout his career.
“It’s tough, but I know I’ve worked as hard as I can and it’s out of my control,” he said. “So I try to do all I can to stay healthy and stay on the field. Thankfully, it’s not anything more serious. So I hope that I can come back and help the team when I’m ready, but there’s nothing I can do, I feel like.”