PORT ST. LUCIE — Steven Matz isn’t here to compare his 2017 elbow to the 2018 version.
“I just want to say right now I feel really good,” the Mets left-hander said Thursday after throwing his second live batting-practice session of the spring.
Matz, who underwent surgery last summer to relocate the ulnar nerve in his left elbow, said his arm strength has increased since arriving at camp. It is expected Matz will make an exhibition start for the Mets next week.
Matz spent part of his latest throwing session working on mechanics with new pitching coach Dave Eiland. Among the interested observers was Mets co-owner Fred Wilpon, who watched the session from behind the batting cage.
“I am in a real good spot,” Matz said. “My command is a little off right now, but that is to be expected at this time, so it’s just something to build off.
“I am expecting to be back where I want to be as soon as I get back in a game against hitters. I am a feel guy. I am not the type of guy that can really ease into things.”
New manager Mickey Callaway is still learning about his pitchers, but said he likes Matz’s makeup.
“He’s a worker,” Callaway said. “Obviously you look at him and he looks the part, but he actually gets the work in. Really thoughtful in all his routines and when he’s on the mound he is very relaxed.”
Callaway said he is most interested in the dynamic between him and his coaches as he prepares to manage his first game. Callaway, a former pitching coach with the Indians, will lean heavily on Eiland and bench coach Gary DiSarcina.
“I am looking forward to all the situations that are going to happen and having to look at the game in a different light,” Callaway said. “I will have Gary on my left and Dave Eiland on my right or vice versa and we’ll be talking a lot of baseball.”
Brandon Nimmo is scheduled to hit leadoff Friday and start in center field. Callaway had been tinkering with the idea of using Juan Lagares at leadoff as the Mets attempt to get him extra at-bats as he refines a new swing.
Jacob deGrom’s wife, Stacey, gave birth to the couple’s second child, a daughter, on Wednesday. Aniston Grace deGrom weighed in at 8 pounds, 2 ounces. DeGrom left the team after Tuesday’s workouts and is expected back with the Mets on Saturday.
Tim Tebow hit a titanic home run to right field during live batting practice that hit the roof of a shed behind the right-field fence. Tebow cleared the fence four times.
Mets pitchers practiced backing up third base during drills. Noah Syndergaard was among those showing the most effort.
Wilmer Flores has gradually moved around in the infield during workouts. He was at third base to start the week and by Thursday was on the opposite corner. He took balls at second base in the middle of the week and has begun shagging flies in the outfield.
The Mets play their Grapefruit League opener against the Braves on Friday at First Data Field.