As Mets right-hander Matt Harvey gets set to take the mound in a pivotal Game 3 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, there is only one thing on his mind, and that’s winning. Amidst all of the drama surrounding the “tackle” from Chase Utley that ended Ruben Tejada‘s postseason, Harvey is focused on just doing his job.
“The most important thing is going out and doing my job and what is best for the team,” said Harvey. ” In my mind that is pitching a long game and keeping zeroes on the board. That is my job and doing that is always going to be my job.”
This is exactly the situation Harvey wanted. Pitching in Game 3 of the NLDS with the series tied at one game apiece. All eyes and the bright spotlight of the media are now on him. This particular NLDS game however, will have a bit of a different feel to it now after Utley’s suspect slide cut his teammate’s first playoff appearance short.
And many wonder if the Mets and particularly Harvey will dole out their own version of justice. “As far as sticking up for your teammates,” Harvey added. “Being out there and doing what is right is exactly what I am going to do.”
As most Mets fans know, Harvey and Utley have some history of their own, dating back to earlier in the season when Harvey plunked Utley in the back when he was still on the Phillies. As Utley walked down to first base, both he and Harvey stared each other down pretty good. Harvey however, believes that is a separate issue that has already been resolved.
” I think there’s certain situations that go on through a game. I think that’s a completely different situation that occurred and that was all resolved,” said Harvey. ” As far as yesterday goes, the league is doing their best to go over the situation. Obviously there are rules in place regarding people hitting the catcher, so I think the league is going to do their job to look over protecting our second baseman and shortstops in this game and keep from slides like that or tackles like that yesterday (from happening).”
Whether this particular situation took place the game before Harvey took the mound or not, it does not mean he will deviate from his original game plan. Harvey notoriously pitches guys inside, and regardless of potential warnings that will be given out prior to the start of the the game, Harvey intends to stick to his game plan.
“For me, I’ve got to go out there and stick with everything I normally do. “If my game plan against a certain guy is to bust him in, that’s part of baseball and that needs to be done.”
“I’m not going to give up my game plan, my approach for something like that. It’s unfair and if certain situations come up where I need to throw that pitch, I’m definitely not going to be afraid to go inside.”
“In the game of baseball, we do ask our pitchers to pitch inside once in a while,” Terry Collins added. “The last thing we need is an umpire to take the games into his hands where he thinks it was a purpose pitch.”
No matter what happened in Saturday night’s game, the Mets have now come back to Citi Field with the series tied at 1-1. I think just about any Mets fan would have signed up for that. The best payback of all for what transpired in that 7th inning will be the Mets taking the series and heading to the NLCS for the first time since 2006. Harvey is focused on making sure the Mets do just that.
With the threat of pre-game warnings to both teams tonight, the Mets can’t afford to lose Harvey because the umpire thought he was intentionally throwing at someone. Remember, according to the rule he doesn’t actually have to hit a player to get thrown out, it all comes down to the umpire’s perception.
Tonight’s the biggest game of the year for the Mets and Harvey holds the team’s fate in his hands. The reins are off and Harvey is exactly where he wants to be. pitching in a huge game in October.
