As reported by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Scott Boras tells us that Matt Harvey began a throwing program two weeks ago to prepare for the 2018 season.
Harvey is an impending free agent who is perhaps facing the most important season of his career. Over the past two years, the 28-year-old right-hander has gone 9-17 with a 5.78 ERA, 1.581 WHIP, and a 6.9 K/9 while averaging under six innings per start.
These struggles are likely the result of Harvey’s lengthy injury history. The 2016 season was supposed to be the season where he returned to Cy Young form as it was his second full season after Tommy John surgery.
Instead, Harvey has dealt with the effects of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome that ended his season in 2016. Then suffered from muscle atrophy and a stress reaction in his throwing shoulder during the 2017 season.
With the uncertainty surrounding Harvey, the team has had some trade discussions about him this winter with the Cubs, Orioles, and Rangers showing interest. Despite these trade discussions, Sandy Alderson has recently advised the team is inclined to hold onto Harvey on the recommendation of Mickey Callaway and Dave Eiland.
That may prove to be a wise decision as Boras advised the throwing program has been going well so far saying, “We’re really encouraged. The ball was really coming out of his hand.”
