Mets' Steven Matz has allowed five runs in both spring training starts

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The saying goes that results don't matter in spring training, but Steven Matz isn't shrugging off his pair of five-run outings to start camp.

Matz yielded five runs in 2/3 innings in a  7-3 loss to the Nationals on Sunday at First Data Field. He yielded five hits and walked two batters.

“It’s frustrating. I feel really healthy and able to get a lot of work between in starts," Matz said. "Even though it’s spring training, you want to see results. You don’t want hitters to get hits off you, I don’t care if it’s live BP or a game or the season. Definitely frustrating.”

Matz insists that he feels healthy after undergoing surgery to reposition the ulnar nerve in his left elbow, but it hasn't translated in games. 

In his first outing, Matz yielded five runs in one-plus innings, failing to retire a batter in his second inning. Sunday, he walked two batters, and allowed three straight two-out hits to end his afternoon. Matz lamented the walks and leaving the ball up in the zone.

"He has a little doubt when he’s letting it go on where it’s going to go and if they are going to hit it," Mets manager Mickey Callaway said. "We are not worried."

First time

Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce each hit their first homers of spring training.

Frazier hit a rocket to left field off righty Brady Dragmire, while Bruce homered to right field off Edwin Jackson in the first inning. 

Bruce is progressing while he deals with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. 

"Doesn’t feel perfect now but I feel good," Bruce said. "Continuing to work, obviously March 29 is the go date so I want to be ready by then. Everything is going well.”

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Briefs

Shortstop Amed Rosario said he felt "much better" Sunday after experiencing left knee irritation Saturday. He threw and hit in the cage, but did not play in the game. He will also miss Monday's game against Detroit ...Dominic Smith (strained right quad) fielded balls at first, and took batting practice. ...Tim Tebow went 0-for-3 and is now 1-for-10 in camp. ...First baseman Adrian Gonzalez is 2-for-15 after an 0-for-4 day. ...Matt Harvey makes his second start Monday. He allowed one run in two innings his first time out.

Scene setter

Michael Conforto stood in the box as Jacob deGrom tossed his bullpen session Sunday morning. Conforto has advanced to swinging at flat tosses, but he is still waiting to participate in batting practice. Conforto is otherwise an active participant in camp, and tracks balls and throws in the outfield. He's not expected back until May.

Quote of the day

“I’ve got all kinds of maps. …There’s plan A, B, C, D. We have to wait to see how he came through this, and we don’t expect any problems, and then we’ll go to the next hurdle and see if we go over that.”--Pitching coach Dave Eiland on deGrom