The Eye: Matz debuts, plus best of MLB action

Another day in Major League Baseball, another top pitching prospect makes his major league debut for the New York Mets. This one’s different, and not just because his name is almost “Mets,” but Steven Matz makes for a left-handed complement to Noah Syndergaard and the other high faultin” prospects they have brought forth the past few years. Like Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler and Thor, he has a chance to be top-of-the-rotation good.

Matz throws about 95 mph with a curve that has emerged as his best breaking pitch. Overall, he has posted a 2.29 ERA with 380 strikeouts in 365 2/3 innings three-plus minor league seasons since having Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. His numbers at Class AAA Las Vegas this are most encouraging: A 2.19 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 90 1/3 innings is rarified air, as CBS’s own Chris Towers reported.

Meet the Mets’ Matz. (USATSI)

We’ll see how the Reds do today. Follow Matz’s start live.

While we wait, here are five things to know about Matz’s debut, which include this under-appreciated skill:

The full slate of 17 games for Sunday (all times ET)

A reminder about the Cardinals, who have lost one home game this month:

Milestone Watch

Longest active hit streak: It’s still Jason Kipnis of the Indians. He came into Saturday riding a 20-game hit streak but the team’s game was rained out. Kipnis will try to get hits in both ends of Sunday’s doubleheader to extend his hitting streak. He’s only 36 games short of tying Joe DiMaggio!

Pujols watch: Angels first baseman Albert Pujols is sitting on 1,650 RBI for his career. He’s two shy of tying Tony Perez for 28th place all-time.

Daily Awards

We pass these out like Halloween candy on the Fourth of July.

Injuries, News & Rumors

If we hear about it, so do you.

Hanley Ramirez heads back to Boston for MRI

Nationals’ Bryce Harper returns to lineup Sunday

Rays promote Grady Sizemore from minors; option Matt Andriese to Triple-A

Cubs slugger Kris Bryant not blaming fatigue for slump

Report: P Michael Feliz has left Double-A club to join Astros

Marlins’ Jose Fernandez strikes out eight in likely final rehab start

Rangers’ Josh Hamilton goes 1 for 4 in rehab game Saturday

Report: Mariners 2B Robinson Cano avoids concussion

Check out more player news here

Looking ahead to the final Monday in June:

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