Matz (back) is on the NLDS roster and will likely pitch Game 4 against the Dodgers, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the Mets haven't officially announced who will pitch Game 4 if need be, his status on the playoff roster is a clear sign the rookie will be available if needed.

Matz said his back felt fine after an 80-pitch outing during an instructional league game Thursday, but his status with the Mets during the playoffs is still up in the air, Jon Santucci of the Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers reports.

EDGE Analysis

It certainly seems like Matz will rejoin the Mets and start Game 4 of the NLDS after multiple reports suggested the 24-year-old was in mid-season form, however nothing official has been announced as of yet. That being said, his status with the club should be decided sometime in the coming days.

Matz, who is slated to throw a 90-95 pitch simulated game Thursday, said that the tightness behind his right shoulder blade was "feeling better," NY Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matz, who was scratched from his final regular season start due to the injury, completed a bullpen session Tuesday at Citi Field without incident. If he makes through Thursday's sim game with no ill-effects and shows good command and stuff, he is likely to make the Mets' NLDS roster as the Game 4 starter.

Matz (side) completed a bullpen session Tuesday at Citi Field, MLB.com reports. "I think we've been encouraged over the last couple of days," General manager Sandy Alderson said. "Things have improved. Certainly, today was a step forward."

EDGE Analysis

Now that the bullpen session is behind him, Matz has just one more hurdle to clear -- a simulated game Thursday -- to solidify his spot on the NLDS roster. If Matz makes it through the live session unscathed, he will likely start Game 4 against the Dodgers on Oct. 13. Sean Gilmartin would likely make the roster if Matz is deemed unavailable, while Jacob deGrom would be an option to start Game 4 on short rest.

Matz (side) will need to get through a long-toss session Monday, bullpen session Tuesday and 90 to 100 pitches in an instructional league game in Florida on Thursday before he deemed ready to make the Mets' divisional series roster, ESPN New York reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Matz, who had an injection Friday to relax his back, which has been spasming, is able to get through all three of those requirements without incident, he could be added to the roster and be penciled in as the Game 4 starter. If not, the Mets may go with a three-man rotation or start Bartolo Colon.

Matz (side) received an injection Saturday and in hopes of returning for the NLDS, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Originally, the Mets had hoped he could pitch this weekend against the Nationals, but that now seems out of play. Matz's return for the NLDS would be a boost for the Nationals, who hasn't pitched since September 18th.

Matz (side) visited the doctor and has now rejoined the Mets, but indicated that he's "not better," Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matz was believed to be an option to pitch either Saturday or Sunday in relief, but it's unclear if that will be the case given the most recent news. If he does appears, he's expected to throw five or six innings, which could potentially leave him in line for a win.

Matz (side/back) was feeling better Thursday and the Mets plan to use him in five-to-six innings of relief Saturday or Sunday, ESPN New York's Adam Rubin reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fantasy owners now know that he will probably not be used as a starter again during the regular season. However, if he pitches five-plus innings of relief, he could still offer strikeouts, good ratios and qualify for a win against the Nationals.

Tests on Matz's back were returned negative, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. "It looks like he's going to be just fine," manager Terry Collins said.

EDGE Analysis

Muscle spasms in Matz's side/back area will prevent him from taking the hill Thursday, but the Mets are hoping to use him at some point this weekend. Matz may need to prove his health on the field to secure his spot on the NLDS roster.

Matz (side) will not start Thursday against the Phillies, Newsday's Marc Carig reports.

EDGE Analysis

The hope was that one additional day between starts would allow Matz to take the hill against Philadelphia, but with the side soreness lingering into Wednesday, manager Terry Collins has opted to scratch the 24-year-old. Matz could still slot in as a reliever this weekend, but if he's unable to turn the page on the issue by then, his spot on the NLDS roster could be compromised.