Here’s a report from Adam Rubin of ESPN New York that says the New York Mets plan to give Matt Harvey regular starts down the stretch so that they can keep him sharp for the postseason. However, the starts will be half-outings, with another pitcher being used after Harvey for multiple innings.
This is basically what you see the Mets do a lot at the minor-league levels. Usually you’ll have one pitcher starting and going 4-5 innings and he’s paired or piggy-backed with another pitcher who will go the rest of the way.
“We’ve got to get him on the mound a little more consistently,” manager Terry Collins said. “Every 12 days is not a good scenario.”
“We’re all on the same page. We need to get him out there a little more consistently.”
The plan is likely to begin next Sunday against the New York Yankees.
As has been previously reported, Harvey will have his turn skipped on Monday and rookie Logan Verrett will replace him as he did a couple of weeks ago in Colorado when he pitched brilliantly against the Rockies.
As for which pitchers will be paired with Harvey, Collins said Sean Gilmartin, Erik Goeddel and Tim Stauffer are all considerations.
Currently, Harvey has tossed 171 2/3 innings in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. With this new plan in place, Harvey will still exceed the much debated 180-inning total, but not by much.
By the way, Rubin posted the probables for next week. It will be Verrett, Jacob deGrom and Bartolo Colon against the Marlins, and Steven Matz, Noah Syndergaard and then Harvey against the Yankees next weekend.
That we’re talking and planning for the postseason is pretty exciting, and yes, shit’s getting real!
