Matt Harvey finished his spring training with another gem. In his final spring training start, he threw four shutout innings, allowing just three hits, zero walks and four strikeouts against the Cardinals. He threw 41 of his 56 pitched for strikes.
Overall this spring, in six mostly spectacular starts, Harvey threw 22 2/3 innings and walked just one batter while striking out 21. Plus he regularly threw in the 98 mph range as well.
It’s true that few will remember what he did in March once the regular season starts next week. But considering Matt has missed the entire 2014 season, while recovering from Tommy John surgery, these numbers are staggering and hard to ignore.
Added Mets manager Terry Collins: “We came out here hoping to find out what he had, and we got the same guy we saw two years ago”.
“Everything feels great, as it has all spring training.” Harvey said. “I don’t think there’s much more to accomplish.”
Despite pitching like an ace this March, Matt won’t pitch on Opening Day on April 6 or the Mets Home Opener on April 13. The Mets cited a chilly forecast and financial gain as two reasons why. Harvey is scheduled to make his 2015 debut on April 9 vs the Nationals in the 3rd game of the season.
Harvey will be on a 90 pitch limit in his first start and the Mets will keep tabs on his pitch count and innings total throughout April, somewhat limiting him. Sometimes the Mets may cut short a start or skip a start too. Basically so he can be available in September, and perhaps longer if the Mets make a playoff run.
