Mets pitcher Steven Matz exits in 6th inning with blister

MIAMI (AP) New York Mets rookie Steven Matz has left his start in the sixth inning against Miami with a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand.

The lefty was making his first major league start since July 5 at the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was sidelined for almost two months with a partially torn muscle near his armpit.

Matz allowed two runs and four hits in 5 1-3 innings Sunday. He struck out six and walked two while throwing 51 of 81 pitches for strikes. He exited with a 3-2 lead, but the Marlins tied the score in the eighth.

A highly touted prospect, Matz was called up from the minors in late June and won his first two big league starts before getting injured.