The Mets lost to the Marlins in heartbreaking fashion yesterday, casting a massive cloud over us fans. However, there is a very bright silver lining to that cloud featuring Matt Harvey who pitched well against a strong Marlins lineup. Over six innings he gave up two runs (one earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out five.
So far this season, Harvey is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 18.1 innings. He has struck out 15 batters and walked three, holding the opposition to a .224 batting average.
“Being able to go against that lineup, and kind of controlling the damage for the most part, is definitely uplifting for me,” said Harvey.
Harvey, who is of course returning from thoracic surgery which involved the removal of a rib, has gone above and beyond all expectations so far. The effects of that surgery showed early in spring training when his velocity was low, hitting only 91-93 mph on the gun, however it has since creeped back up as he hit 97 mph a few times yesterday.
“It’s in there,” Harvey remarked. “Going back to spring training, I knew throwing in between starts that it was slowly creeping back. I think today was kind of a good test for me with that lineup. Being able to paint the outside corner and kind of control both sides of the plate was big. When I needed to ramp up and throw a little bit harder, I was able to do that. It’s definitely a good positive.”
Harvey has shown excellent velocity in the past, hitting 99 mph on multiple occasions in 2015 after his Tommy John surgery. It is entirely possible we could see the radar gun really light up once again before this season’s end however he has shown he can be very effective topping out at 96-97 mph. Harvey’s next start should come on April 22nd at home against the Washing Nationals starting at 4:05 PM ET at Citi Field.
