Mets manager Terry Collins was a guest on Mets Hot Stove on Tuesday at Tradition Field. He told Gary Apple that in his first year back from Tommy John surgery, Matt Harvey should make at least 30 starts.
“There are going to be nights when he’s dominant, and you got to let him stay out there, which means next time we’re gonna have to cut him back.”
“Matt and I have talked with Dan Warthen and Sandy about all of this and he’s a good soldier, he nods his head and nods his head, but I know there’s gonna be a battle coming.”
Sandy Alderson backed up what Collins said (is that a first?) and added that Harvey could conceivably throw 200 innings this season including both the regular season and the playoffs.
Harvey will not be skipped in the rotation, but instead they’ll have him make five-inning starts from time to time.
Look for the Mets ace to make his regular season debut on April 9 against the Nationals in DC according to a report by Kevin Kernan of the NY Post.
Harvey will then be slated to start the team’s second home game on April 14, against the Phillies at Citi Field.
“The Mets don’t need Harvey to over-amp it on Opening Day in Washington and run into issues as he returns from Tommy John surgery,” writes Kernan, who talked to several team sources.
“As for the Mets home opener, the same thinking is in place, the Mets don’t want Harvey to be over-amped, try a bit too hard, and run into trouble.”
Terry Collins has already said last that Harvey would pitch at least once during the team’s first five games of the season. Initially, the plan was to hold Harvey back and have him make his debut on April 13, the home opener.
You can watch Harvey on Friday when he makes his Spring debut against the Tigers David Price. The game will be broadcast on SNY at 1:00 PM.
(Updated 3/4)
