Mets' Matz scratched from start with elbow discomfort

The injury bug continues to make it through New York Mets camp.

Already without David Wright, Juan Lagares, and Brandon Nimmo, the Mets were forced to scratch left-hander Steven Matz from his scheduled start Monday due to tenderness in his pitching elbow.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters he doesn't believe the issue is serious, and doctors assured him there's no damage to the ligament. He will, however, be held back for the next few days, though no MRI has been scheduled.

While Alderson is relieved the injury appears to be minor, he is concerned with Matz's continued health issues.

"It's worrisome that he continues to be injured off and on," Alderson said, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. "That's the difficulty. We don't think it's serious. On the other hand, starting pitchers are relied on every five days. I'm not sure exactly where this is going to take us."

Matz, who has already undergone Tommy John surgery once, had season-ending elbow surgery last September to have a bone spur removed.

The 25-year-old hasn't been particularly sharp this spring, posting a 4.26 ERA and 1.58 WHIP across four starts.