Mets considering skipping Matt Harvey’s next start
After an ugly start to the season, the New York Mets are considering skipping Matt Harvey’s next turn in the rotation.
After giving up a career-high nine runs in only 2 2/3 innings of work on Thursday night, New York Mets manager Terry Collins is considering pulling RHP Matt Harvey from the starting rotation, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN.
Harvey has been shaky all season long, but it all came to a boiling part with the ugly performance against the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Harvey was booed off of the mound by Mets’ fans, as he exited the game in the third inning.
Through nine starts, Harvey is stuck with an inflated 5.77 ERA. Mets’ fans and coaches are obviously frustrated by his performance, but Harvey’s 3.66 FIP suggests that he has run into some bad luck this season. Harvey does not look as sharp as he has in the past, but he probably has not been as bad as he appears to be on the surface.
The Mets rode Harvey hard last season, as he pitched over 200 innings just one year removed from having Tommy John surgery. It was not the best move for the health of his arm, but Harvey fought through and led the Mets’ pitching staff through the playoffs and in to the World Series.
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For his part, Collins thinks that Harvey’s extended work-load last season has a lot to do with his early-season struggles.
"“As I tried to explain to Matt again, there’s some people that don’t believe it — this kid went above and beyond last year,” Collins told reporters after the 9-1 loss to the Nationals. “And I’m not sure he’s recuperated from it.”"
Harvey is not looking for any excuses, but the Mets may be best giving him some time to work out the kinks before making another start. Collins wouldn’t commit to booting Harvey out of the rotation, but the idea has come up.
A quick trip to the disabled list to rest Harvey’s arm and get his confidence back up is the best solution for both sides.
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