Team's potential excites 'unsung hero' Matz

TORONTO -- Steven Matz has tasted the postseason before -- six years ago as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, who was riding the wave of an incredible rookie debut with the Mets.

That experience has given Matz a different appreciation for opportunities like the Blue Jays face now, and their rarity. After wrapping up a very strong 2021 season with seven innings of one-run ball against the Orioles in Friday’s 6-4 win at Rogers Centre, Matz reflected on this new chance with a new organization.

“In my first year, I got thrown right into the mix, we made the postseason right away. ... I played a Wild Card [Game] in ’16 but haven’t been back," Matz said. "Looking at this team, I’m like, ‘Man, this team is so good. We’re so close. I don’t know if I’ve ever been on a team this good.’”

His logic isn’t all that complicated, and it doesn’t need to be.

“We’ve got a potential Cy Young [Robbie Ray], a potential MVP [Vladimir Guerrero Jr.], and you just go down the list,” Matz said. “I think those two things speak for themselves. This team is really deep. Just seeing these guys go out and play every day has been a pleasure.”

When Matz was acquired from the Mets on Jan. 27 for pitchers Sean Reid-Foley, Yennsy Díaz and Josh Winckowski, it looked like a depth move. If Matz could slide into the No. 5 spot and keep it steady for the season, that would be enough. But the left-hander gave the Blue Jays more than that.

Pitching to a 3.82 ERA over 150 2/3 innings, Matz had one of the best seasons of his career, setting the 30-year-old up very well for free agency. Most of the focus will rest on Ray and second baseman Marcus Semien this offseason, and rightfully so, but there will be interest in bringing back Matz, too. Matz grew more consistent late in the season, with several teammates commenting on the confidence he was pitching with, and he has been a key piece in a rotation that grew into a real strength.

“He’s been one of the unsung heroes here,” said manager Charlie Montoyo. “Nobody expected him to pitch like that. Credit to him and Pete Walker. He’s been great. Almost every time out, he goes five, six innings and keeps us in the game. He’s been really good. Great, actually. Not good, great.”

Anything is possible with bullpen roles in a tiebreaker or potential American League Wild Card Game, but if the Blue Jays were to reach the AL Division Series, Matz could get a look. Back in 2015, Matz made starts in the National League Division Series, NL Championship Series and World Series with the Mets. And while it has been a while, Matz has earned a role in those runs again if Toronto can pull it off.

Biggio bounces back after challenging season
Cavan Biggio has rarely been healthy this season. It started in Spring Training, when he took a ball off his right hand, and continued through the year, when that happened a couple more times along with neck and back injuries. He recently went nearly two months between MLB games before returning to go 3-for-4 in Friday’s win.

“You still feel a little left out because you’re not on the field with the guys, you’re not experiencing that energy with the crowd,” Biggio said after the game. “It’s just very special to get back, be on the field and be in front of those fans. I don’t want to get emotional, but it was pretty special.”

Biggio also went out of his way to praise those who helped him return to the Majors in the shape he’s in, physically and mentally.

“A lot of credit to the team down there in Triple-A [Buffalo], especially the manager, Casey Candaele,” Biggio said. “It just allowed me to feel part of that team. Winning there is the most important thing in that locker room. It gave me an aspect of that energy. Even though there was really no one in the stands, that dugout and clubhouse was getting me ready to be in these big-time games. I can’t thank those guys and Casey enough.”

Biggio wasn't in Saturday’s starting lineup against Orioles lefty John Means, but he has earned more opportunities if the Blue Jays advance beyond Game 162.