With the Mets heading towards the playoffs, the subject of Matt Harvey’s availability for them has been a hot topic as of late.
Scott Boras, Harvey’s agent, said the 26-year-old was prescribed by his doctors to only throw 180 innings during the regular season as the pitcher works his way back from Tommy John surgery he underwent in October 2013. The Mets have decided to ease up on Harvey’s workload between now and the end of the season in an effort to control his innings.
During Sunday’s game against the Yankees, Harvey was removed after throwing 77 pitches through five innings. This did not sit well with radio host Mike Francesa, who went off on the Mets’ handling of their star pitcher.
Francesa suggested the team changed the mood of the game from an exciting one versus their city rivals to a dark one by taking Harvey out when they did.
“The bottom line is this was Harvey. This was your Dark Knight, and you turned it into a very dark night very quickly by pulling him out of the game 77 pitches into a performance,” he said.
Francesa also made a valid point by questioning if the this method was preparing Harvey for the playoffs. If New York is going go with what they’re calling “half outings” for Harvey between now and the end of the season, they’re essentially treating his last few starts like spring training. While that would accomplish the goal of reducing the wear on his arm, it could also affect him being able to work longer during the playoffs if he’s having a good outing.
The Nationals dealt with a similar situation a few years ago in Stephen Strasburg’s first full season after Tommy John surgery. With Washington headed to the playoffs, they shut down Strasburg for the season in September, not wanting him to exceed 160 innings.
Harvey, on the other hand, said he will pitch in the playoffs. It would be optimal for him to be at his sharpest when that time comes, which the short outings may prevent. However, the Mets would be in the postseason for the first time since 2006, and Harvey’s inclusion would almost be mandatory.
