New York Mets pitcher, Matt Harvey continues to struggle with his mechanics in what has been a trying year. Harvey has not been able to get himself in any sort of groove after seeming to find himself just a few starts prior.
Harvey had an okay day on the mound, pitching to a quality start. He allowed just two runs on eight hits in six innings of work. Harvey walked none and struck out three while taking the no-decision.
“It was definitely a struggle,” Harvey said. “I went back to not feeling as great as I did in a couple of starts before this. I was able to make some quality pitches when I needed to and guys made the plays behind me.”
“A couple of balls that [center fielder Alejandro] De Aza tracked down helped me a lot and helped me get through six innings. It was a struggle, but when I needed to make a pitch, I was able to do that.” (ESPN)
Harvey’s ERA dropped down just a bit to 4.64 on the year as his WHIP stands at 1.38. He just did not look comfortable on the mound again. Hearing him also openly talk about things not being right yet again is troubling to hear. Harvey has just seemed to be so hittable, and lacking confidence while on the mound. You just do not sense that killer instinct from years past. He has been unable to figure out how to right his mechanics, as it is an ongoing battle.
“When you’re out there, the last thing you want to think about is your mechanics. For some reason this year it’s been popping into my head, and just pitch for pitch doesn’t feel the same. It’s one of those things I’ve got to battle through and keep pushing forward. We’re going to do that next start.”
Harvey’s next start comes against the Mets’ biggest rival, the first place Washington Nationals. It will be interesting to see if the adrenaline of such a big game may help to kick up the intensity that we are used to seeing from him. Harvey is still such an important piece to this staff that needs to get right for continued success of the team.
