After being summoned to the manager’s office by Terry Collins, Mets right-hander Matt Harvey was told that he would make his next start against the Chicago White Sox on Monday.
Also in attendance was pitching coach Dan Warthen and assistant GM John Ricco.
According to Collins, optioning Harvey to the minor leagues was never discussed.
Instead, Collins told reporters that the team saw some positive signs from Harvey last night.
Among them was his increased velocity of his fastball which ranged 95-96 and touched 97. They were also pleased wit the command of his slider.
“So, let’s take another step forward,” Collins said about the team’s decision.
Original Report
Another outing, another bad ending. Matt Harvey again was unable to put forth a quality start after convincing his manager, Terry Collins and the front office that he still wants the ball and to work through his issues.
Five innings, eight hits, five runs, two walks and just one strikeout. That was his line on the night. In what was a very important start for his immediate future, he again was just unable to right his season. He allowed three homers on the night, including an absolute bomb by former teammate, Daniel Murphy. What could be next for Harvey is anyone’s guess at this point.
“Right now we’ve got to think what’s not just best for Matt, but what’s best for us moving forward at the moment,” Collins said. “There’s a lot of things to consider. That’s why we’re not going to make any rash judgments tonight. We’re going to sleep on it and talk about it tomorrow.” (ESPN)
Harvey bolted from the clubhouse before speaking with the media last night as his record dropped to 3-7 on the season. His ERA bloated even more to 6.08. His WHIP standing at 1.69. Nothing about him looked right on the mound. From the start he just looked uncomfortable and awkward with his follow through. His command wasn’t there. Everything was betraying him. His fastball looked good in the early parts of the game, reaching 96 MPH, but dipped consistently as he reached his final innings. Collins was asked specifically on sending Matt to the bullpen after another disastrous start.
“I’m not going there just yet. I’m going to talk to Dan tomorrow. We’re going to get Sandy and we’re going to talk about some options.”
From here we are to wonder if he will be placed on the disabled list and sent to extended spring training or possibly a stint in Las Vegas. It is hard to imagine him being sent to the bullpen to work out his issues, as it seems counter-productive. Harvey needs to go somewhere to clear his head and get back to basics.
“I’m really surprised,” Collins said. “This guy is too good. He’s just way too good to continue like this.”
The support for Harvey swelled leading up to last night’s game as fans all around social media rallied around their once prominent star. Many believed he would come out and be the pitcher he had been before this season or at the very least show progress. Harvey though was unable to live up to expectations yet again, as he allowed a career-high 20 total bases before departing to a 5-1 deficit. Collins is still in full belief that the previous season’s 216 innings may have just been too much for his former ace.
“My experience says it takes a little time and it’ll come back,” Collins said. “He’s just got to keep working at it and not get frustrated with some things.”
Where to go from here will be the question asked and second guessed until Harvey finds himself back on track. He is currently scheduled to make his next start on Monday against the Chicago White Sox in New York. No announcement has been made as of yet as to when a decision will be made on his immediate future.
