Mets scratch Matz due to shoulder issue

The misfortune refuses to relent for the scuffling New York Mets, as the club scratched left-hander Steven Matz from Friday's start against the San Francisco Giants due to shoulder discomfort, manager Terry Collins confirmed.

According to Collins, the 25-year-old "felt great" after throwing 7 1/3 strong innings against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field on Sunday, but a little twinge that surfaced in his shoulder shortly thereafter hasn't gone away.

"It's definitely frustrating,” Matz said, according to Newsday's Marc Carig. “I’m definitely not happy about it. My elbow was feeling good. I felt like I got myself into a good routine."

Matz, who has pitched with a bone spur in his elbow for much of the season, will be replaced Friday at AT&T Park by Seth Lugo, though the precocious rookie attempted to downplay concern over his condition.

"It's just discomfort, I'm really not worried about it," said Matz.

Through 22 starts in 2016, Matz owns a 3.40 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP, notching 129 strikeouts in 132 1/3 innings while leading all rookie pitchers with 2.8 WAR.

"You got to do what's right, and what's right is to make sure that down the road this kid is going to be healthy," said Collins. "The shoulder is something you do not want to mess with."