PITTSBURGH — Steven Matz couldn’t have made a bigger statement about his readiness to rejoin the Mets.

In possibly his last minor league appearance before returning to the big leagues, the lefty fired five perfect innings for Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday against El Paso. Matz struck out eight batters in the 73-pitch performance.

Before the Mets beat the Pirates 7-2 on Sunday, manager Terry Collins indicated no decision had been reached on Matz’s next move. But a club source indicated there is a strong possibility Matz — who was placed on the disabled list at the end of spring training with left elbow inflammation — will be inserted into the rotation next weekend at Citi Field.

Seth Lugo, who has been sidelined since spring training with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, allowed three runs on eight hits and struck out seven over six innings for Double-A Binghamton on Sunday. Once the righty is ready, team officials will have to decide whether he is a better fit for the Mets’ rotation or bullpen.

Yoenis Cespedes will be evaluated Tuesday, at which time Mets brass will have a better idea about the extent of his sore right quadriceps. Cespedes was scratched from a minor league rehab game Saturday because of that discomfort.

“Obviously, you have one of the best players in the league and you want him back,” Neil Walker said. “But at the same time you understand that if he’s got to take an extra week in May, you want to have him healthy for July, August and September, so we understand that part of the game and that part of the health more than anybody.”

Tyler Pill remains the front-runner to start Tuesday’s game against the Brewers, according to Collins. The rookie was not needed in relief Sunday.

In his major league debut Saturday, the right-hander loaded the bases in the 10th inning and was removed with two outs. John Jaso’s single against Josh Edgin handed Pill the loss.

Collins is also considering reliever Josh Smoker for Tuesday, but prefers Pill as he has starting experience.

Michael Conforto was given a night off Sunday. Collins initially was undecided which day to rest Conforto, but had promised Walker a day off on Monday and didn’t want both on the bench for the same game.