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Matt Harvey looks like his new self in mets' win
NEW YORK — On a drizzly and cold Tuesday night at Citi Field, Matt Harvey took the mound for the first time this season. He was wearing an elbow-length undershirt.
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But ahead of what could be Harvey’s final season in a Mets uniform, the team’s new coaches, under manager Mickey Callaway, have stressed that Harvey does not need to carry that persona anymore. He just needs to be the best version of his current self.
Against the Phillies, Harvey, 29, had a slower fastball than before (90-93 mph) but showed better command and a plan of attack. He used high fastballs against overeager Phillies hitters to induce flyouts or strikeouts. He allowed only one hit and one walk, and fanned five over five scoreless innings.
“He’s got that look in his eye back,” said Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud, who has caught Harvey off and on since 2013. He added later: “He didn’t have his best stuff but he was still in it. He wasn’t going to give up.”
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Harvey’s past two seasons had been filled with struggle and injury. He showed he could recover from Tommy John surgery in 2013, but he had not been the same since a 2016 surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome.
During a 2017 season in which Harvey posted a career-worst 6.70 ERA and dealt with a weak shoulder, only one of his 19 starts was scoreless. He matched that feat in his first start of the new season.
“Going five innings and not giving up a ton of runs is definitely a plus and something I haven’t been used to,” Harvey said with a smirk, adding later: “I’m happy I was able to do that without my good stuff or feeling that great.”
Harvey did not earn the win, leaving the game in a scoreless tie. Reliever Jerry Blevins ended a Phillies’ scoring threat in the sixth inning by striking out Odubel Herrera with two runners on base.
In the bottom of the frame, Todd Frazier and d’Arnaud gave the Mets (3-1) a 2-0 lead with run-scoring hits. On base after each hit, Frazier and d’Arnaud twisted their hands in the direction of the home dugout, as if using a pepper grinder, enacting the team’s new salt-and-pepper celebration for the 2018 season.
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Harvey could have pitched deeper into the game, but Callaway pulled him after a relatively manageable pitch count of 86.
Because Harvey’s spot in the lineup was coming up in the bottom of the fifth inning and the Mets needed offense, Callaway turned the game over to a bullpen that was well rested after Monday’s game was postponed because of snow.
And he showed his modern approach to using relievers regardless of inning, deploying AJ Ramos, a setup man and former closer, and Blevins in the sixth inning against the top of the Phillies lineup. Seth Lugo pitched the seventh and eighth innings.
“They tell us to get out to the bullpen by the fourth inning, just because you never know what’s going to happen,” Ramos said. “I’m ready to pitch whenever.”
In all, the Mets allowed only three hits. Jeurys Familia pitched out a jam in the ninth inning to secure the victory.
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Since taking over, Callaway and the new pitching coach, Dave Eiland, have worked diligently to improve Harvey, both on the mound and between the ears.
Over the winter, the Mets listened to trade offers for Harvey but opted to keep him, in part because of the recommendations of Callaway and Eiland. They still saw potential in Harvey’s worn body and psyche.
Harvey reported to spring training in a jovial mood. He proclaimed that he was healthier and stronger than ever after enjoying his first normal offseason in a while. He thanked Callaway and Eiland for their support. They lifted Harvey’s confidence at every turn.
“He is going to throw 96, but today it was a tough day to pitch and have your best, crisp stuff,” Callaway said Tuesday. “If it were a warm summer day, you would see a little bit more velo out of him.”
In spring training, Harvey refused to talk about the past (he was suspended three games without pay last season for failing to show up to Citi Field after a night of partying) or the future (his upcoming free agency). Callaway and Eiland noted progress in Harvey, watching him break bad habits from when he did not have the proper shoulder strength. It showed on Tuesday.
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“I’m healthy, I’m not in pain and there’s no issue,” Harvey said. “Just going out there and battling and just really concentrating on pitching.”
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
JAMES WAGNER © 2018 The New York Times
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