Sean Gilmartin had accompanied the Mets to Los Angeles as a backup in case Matz was unable to go.
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The rookie left-hander felt good after his almost 90-pitch outing Thursday and is on the Mets’ staff to face the Dodgers.
Manager Terry Collins said Matz will play catch on Friday to further demonstrate his back is OK.
The deadline to submit their NLDS roster is 1 p.m. Friday afternoon, so we’ll know more about his status shortly before that time.
Mets starter Steven Matz, who has been hampered by a back issue, threw approximately 90 pitches in a simulated game Thursday morning at the team’s complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. “We certainly hope that he’s going to be part of the rotation”. “So he’s just going to meet us in New York”.
If Matz can’t start, then Bartolo Colon would be next in line for the opportunity, although Collins didn’t completely discount that Jon Niese had a chance.
Conforto, a lefty swinger, is expected to start Game 2 against Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke, but otherwise will sit as a reserve behind veteran righty Michael Cuddyer.
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You can see the entire roster below.
