Matt Harvey’s stay in Cincinnati may end up being a brief one.
ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reported on Monday that the Reds are looking to trade the former All-Star pitcher before the Jul. 31 deadline, calling it a “main focus” for them. Crasnick also lists the Seattle Mariners and the Milwaukee Brewers as clubs that have inquired about Harvey and notes that the San Francisco Giants had interest in Harvey when he was still with the New York Mets.
The 29-year-old Harvey was thumped for eight earned runs in 3.1 innings during a loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, a game that a number of scouts were in attendance for. However, he had gone a decent 7-5 with a 3.64 ERA and 49 strikeouts in the previous 12 starts since the Reds acquired him from the Mets in May. Crasnick adds that the veteran righty has received positive reviews for his team ethic and professionalism ever since his arrival.
This is consistent with a report that emerged earlier this month stating that Harvey had increased his trade value in Cincinnati, and with his contract up after the season, you can see the line of thinking for the last-place Reds.
