MLB: New York Mets at Miami Marlins

New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. (Steve Mitchell | USA TODAY Sports)

NEW YORK -- Mets' left-hander Steven Matz threw a bullpen Sunday afternoon at Citi Field and everything was fine, manager Terry Collins said, but the team is going to have him throw another this week before they officially pencil him back into the rotation.

Matz has been on the disabled list since Aug. 15 with shoulder tightness. He missed a start on the recent road trip but it sounds like he could pitch as early as this coming Thursday in the series finale against the Miami Marlins.

"He was fine today," Collins said. "[Pitching coach Dan Warthen] and I talked. We think he should probably throw one more 'pen and then we'll throw him Thursday."

Matz, 25, has a 3.40 ERA in 132.1 innings this season. His last outing was almost history -- he took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field, tossing 105 pitches.

Matz isn't the only Mets pitcher being watched right now. Righty Jacob deGrom will be skipped Monday to give him extra rest and to figure out a few things mechanically with his approach. In his place will be Rafael Montero (0-0, 11.57), making his first start of the season for the Mets.

Montero, also 25, began the season with Triple-A Last Vegas but pitched so poorly that he went to Double-A. But he was sharp there, posting a 1.70 ERA in eight starts, and has earned a chance at the big league level, Collins said.

"I think it's a big step for Rafael Montero [Monday]," Collins said. "I think this is a real turning point for him. He's gone down, he dropped all the way down to Double-A, and he's got to get himself back on radar scope, and he has. He needs to go out tomorrow and give us a game."

Ryan Hatch may be reached at rhatch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanhatch. Find NJ.com on Facebook.