Matt Harvey expected to return on Friday
After an extended stint on the disabled list, the Mets are hoping to have Matt Harvey back in their rotation sooner rather than later.
Harvey last pitched on June 14, a start in which he allowed four runs in four innings against the Cubs. Two days later, New York placed Harvey on the 10-day disabled list with an injury to his right shoulder.
As the process of working his way back has progressed, Harvey has pitched in four minor league games. The most recent outing has given the Mets optimism.
“When he threw in Double-A last time, the reports weren’t all that glowing,” pitching coach Dan Warthen said, via the New York Post. “But (minor league pitching coordinator) Glenn Abbott was raving about this last one. Matt’s delivery was the same every pitch, and everything was coming out cleanly.”
The Post also added Harvey is tentatively scheduled to rejoin the Mets rotation for their series this weekend against the Astros.
After making the National League All-Star team in 2013 and following that up with a strong 2014 season, Harvey has struggled to stay healthy the past two years. He made 17 starts a year ago and has started just 13 games so far this season. This year he has pitched to a 5.25 ERA in 70.1 innings.