The verdict is in on Harvey…
Today in Washington, Sandy Alderson announced that Miguel Batista will start Saturday’s game against the Dodgers and NOT Matt Harvey..
Last night for the Bisons, Harvey allowed two runs and three hits with four walks and four strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings against Triple-A Toledo in front of a group of Mets scouts and executives that included J.P. Ricciardi.
Also, disputing earlier comments by Terry Collins, Alderson said that there is “no scenario” in which Zack Wheeler will pitch in the Major Leagues this season, but that “Wheeler should be promoted to Triple-A Buffalo soon.”
Original Post 7/16
If Matt Harvey was nervous when he took the mound tonight against the Toledo Mudhens at Coca Cola Field in Buffalo, you sure couldn’t tell by his pitching performance.
In front of a sparse crowd that included a large contingent of Mets executives, Harvey was dazzling through the first five innings of his audition and allowed no-hits.
Toledo finally got to Harvey in the sixth when he was greeted by back to back singles to start the inning, with one of them coming around to score later in the frame on a groundout.
Here is a play-by-play of all the action:
Top of the 1st
- Justin Henry flies out to center fielder Matt Den Dekker.
- Matt Young flies out to left fielder Jason Bay.
- Ben Guez grounds out, shortstop Josh Rodriguez to first baseman Adam Loewen.
- John Lindsey walks.
- Rob Brantly strikes out swinging.
- Audy Ciriaco grounds out, third baseman Zach Lutz to first baseman Adam Loewen. John Lindsey to 2nd.
- Jamie Johnson flies out to right fielder Matt Tuiasosopo.
Top of the 3rd
- Bryan Holaday grounds out, shortstop Josh Rodriguez to first baseman Adam Loewen.
- Argenis Diaz grounds out, pitcher Matt Harvey to first baseman Adam Loewen.
- Justin Henry grounds out, shortstop Josh Rodriguez to first baseman Adam Loewen.
Top of the 4th
- Matt Young walks.
- With Ben Guez batting, Matt Young steals (15) 2nd base.
- With Ben Guez batting, wild pitch by Matt Harvey, Matt Young to 3rd.
- Ben Guez walks.
- John Lindsey strikes out swinging.
- With Rob Brantly batting, Ben Guez caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Lucas May to shortstop Josh Rodriguez.
- Rob Brantly strikes out swinging, catcher Lucas May to first baseman Adam Loewen.
- Audy Ciriaco grounds out, shortstop Josh Rodriguez to first baseman Adam Loewen.
- Jamie Johnson grounds out, second baseman Josh Satin to first baseman Adam Loewen.
- Bryan Holaday flies out to right fielder Matt Tuiasosopo.
- Argenis Diaz singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jason Bay.
- Justin Henry singles on a ground ball to center fielder Matt Den Dekker. Argenis Diaz to 2nd.
- Matt Young grounds out to first baseman Adam Loewen. Argenis Diaz to 3rd. Justin Henry to 2nd.
- Ben Guez walks.
- John Lindsey grounds out, second baseman Josh Satin to first baseman Adam Loewen. Argenis Diaz scores. Justin Henry to 3rd. Ben Guez to 2nd.
- Rob Brantly strikes out swinging.
- Audy Ciriaco grounds out, third baseman Zach Lutz to first baseman Adam Loewen.
- Jamie Johnson singles on a line drive to left fielder Jason Bay.
- Bryan Holaday hit by pitch. Jamie Johnson to 2nd.
- Argenis Diaz grounds out, third baseman Zach Lutz to first baseman Adam Loewen. Jamie Johnson to 3rd. Bryan Holaday to 2nd.
- Pitcher Change: Justin Hampson replaces Matt Harvey.
Harvey was removed in the seventh inning with two men on base and two outs. He was replaced by Justin Hampson who allowed a single that allowed one of the inherited runners to score and tie the game at 2-2.
Harvey will not figure into the decision and his final line was as follows:
6.2 IP – 2 ER – 3 H – 4 BB – 4 K
Harvey tossed 100 pitches, 58 of them for strikes… Groundouts galore for Harvey…
According to manager Wally Backman, Harvey ditched his old changeup before the game and went with a new grip that he felt was more comfortable for him. He mixed it in with his plus-fastball and big-league curve.
This was by no means a slam-dunk for Harvey, but still a very solid effort.
I guess we’ll know in the next 24 hours whether it was good enough to convince the Mets if he’s ready for prime time.
