Mets' Matz not ready for Opening Day

After going for an MRI on his left throwing elbow Wednesday morning, New York Mets' starting pitcher Steven Matz won't be ready for Opening Day, according to manager Terry Collins.

While the results of the MRI aren't yet known, the Mets will err on the side of caution and go with someone else near the bottom of their rotation, Collins told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. With Opening Day just five days away, and Matz's projected turn in the order just over a week away, it makes sense for the team to go this direction, especially considering their depth.

As for Matz's replacement, Collins reportedly first mentioned Seth Lugo and Rafael Montero as fill-ins. The right-handed Lugo has struggled in spring training, allowing seven earned runs on 15 hits and two walks over 11 1/3 innings. To his credit, Lugo did get extra work in the WBC, pitching 15 innings for Puerto Rico, including starting the gold medal game. As a starter with the Mets last year, Lugo started eight games and posted a 2.68 ERA and 4.93 FIP over 47 innings.

Montero, on the other hand, has impressed in spring training, posting a 1.96 ERA over 18 1/3 innings. Having already earned a role in the bullpen, Montero was likely expected to relieve. The 26-year-old right-hander only made one start in spring training. Last season with the Mets, Montero made just three starts, going 11 innings. As a starter, Montero allowed 24 of the 56 batters he faced to reach base safely in 2016, while performing only slightly better out of the 'pen.

A third option still remains, however, in 26-year-old Zack Wheeler. Since being acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carlos Beltran in 2011, the former top prospect has pitched just 285 1/3 innings for the Mets and hasn't made a major-league appearance since 2014. While his spring training numbers aren't particularly favorable - 5.11 ERA over 12 1/3 innings - Wheeler could be a dark horse candidate for the fifth-starter role.