10 MLB comeback candidates to watch in 2018
SP. New York Mets. Matt Harvey. 6. player. 3.
The fall from grace for former New York Mets ace Matt Harvey has been difficult to watch the past two years. The big right-hander has not been the same since blowing a ninth-inning lead in Game 5 of the 2015 World Series. Harvey had campaigned aggressively to stay in the game, and while that wasn’t the straw that broke the camel’s back, it leaves you wondering.
Harvey has been dealing with shoulder issues for two years, and has been rocked when he has been able to take the mound, a shell of his former self. His fastball velocity is down several miles per hour, and his breaking stuff is not sharp. The 28-year-old has to learn how to pitch again with his new limitations.
Things are starting to look up for Harvey, and his last spring outing went well. He is continuing to increase his velocity and gain a feel for his changeup.
"“It seems to be working, [Harvey] was up to 96 [mph] today,’’ Callaway said. “Because his arm speed is back, he has conviction in his pitches. And when you can sell that changeup that’s what it’s all about. He has great stuff he just needs to have the confidence that he can go out there and compete with anybody and he’s showing that.’’"
If the Mets are to contend in 2018, Harvey must have a resurgent year. It’s important for him as well, as another bad year could start to spell the end of his MLB career.