MIAMI — Steven Matz is thankful the Mets took the conservative route with his recent arm discomfort.

The Mets lefty threw 56 pitches in a simulated game Saturday at Marlins Park before the Mets’ 4-3, 11-inning loss and is set for a return to the rotation barring any discomfort Sunday.

Team officials were initially uncertain last week whether Matz would need a DL stint after an MRI exam detected no structural damage to his elbow — a strained flexor pronator in his left arm was diagnosed — but ultimately played it safe. Matz missed two turns in the rotation.

“It was still a little sore going into [the DL stint] and it was something I got with the trainers and we just worked through,” Matz said. “Today I woke up and it was the best I felt and I got on the mound and it felt really good, so I am glad they took one step back and really tried to build me back up.”

Matz is expected to return Thursday to pitch in a doubleheader at Philadelphia. Manager Mickey Callaway has indicated the team may employ a six-man rotation that would allow Corey Oswalt to remain in the mix.

Jay Bruce likely will begin a minor league rehab assignment in the middle of this week, according to Callaway. Bruce, who has been on the disabled list since June 18 with hip discomfort, will see time in the outfield and at first base after he rejoins the Mets.

Franklyn Kilome, who was acquired in the trade that sent Asdrubal Cabrera to the Phillies, struck out 10 batters over 6 ²/₃ innings for Double-A Binghamton at Reading on Friday. The right-hander has a 2.95 ERA with 20 strikeouts in three starts for Binghamton.

The Mets bullpen entered play with a 1.59 ERA in August, the third-lowest mark in the majors. For the season the Mets ranked 26th with a 4.82 ERA.