Matt Harvey – (Image Credit: Anthony J. Causi)
Matt Harvey may not be the ace of the New York Mets anymore, but he can still thrive in 2018.
Harvey pitched three scoreless innings in a 4-2 victory for the over the Detroit Tigers in spring training. Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo, of MLB.com, described his fastball as resting in the mid-90’s for a second straight start.
Velocity for the right-hander was a concern last season during his return from injury. There was a bout with shoulder weakness, a result from dealing with the aftermath of horacic outlet syndrome and arterial surgery.
To see Harvey finding his groove with his fastball again is an encouraging sign for the Mets. In 48 pitches, against Detroit, he struck out two, walked one, and allowed one hit.
Anthony’s Perspective
It’s no secret on this site that I really like the hiring of new manager Mickey Callaway for the Mets. There’s a confidence and charisma to his approach on the field. This was a team badly in need of a new voice and a player like Harvey can benefit from it.
Callaway, as Anthony DiComo noted in his article, spotted a mechanical flaw in Harvey’s delivery from past seasons. The results obviously are helping with Harvey’s approach this spring on and off the field.
Harvey might not turn back into the dominant force he was which took New York City by storm. But with Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, now at the front of the starting rotation, Harvey has a chance to fly under the radar for the start of the 2018 season.
Callaway, with new pitching coach Dave Eiland, were brought in for their leadership skills as much as their knowledge of pitching. Part of those skills include getting their players to embrace change. Harvey appears to be buying in and so far the results have been on the money.
