Matt Harvey Tunes Up in Buffalo
Did Harvey pass his audition?
Matt Harvey auditioned for a role in the Mets starting rotation tonight as he took the mound against the Toledo Mud Hens in Buffalo. Harvey threw 100 pitches in 6 2/3 innings. He allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 4 and struck out 4. One of the runs scored when reliever Justin Hampson allowed an inherited runner to cross the plate on a single.
Sandy Alderson and J.P. Ricciardi were on hand to evaluate Harvey first hand. Obviously, the Mets’ front office is seriously considering Harvey to replace the injured Dillon Gee in the major league rotation.
Harvey was effectively wild at times, throwing only 58% of his pitches for strikes. That kind of ball to strike ratio will eventually catch up with him at the major league level. His command has been improving of late, so one hopes that this is an aberration.
But he pitched well enough tonight to earn a shot at the major league level. Of course, the experienced eyes of Alderson and Ricciardi will decide, but don’t be surprised if he’s called up soon and on the mound this weekend.
Meanwhile, Jason Bay went 0 for 2 with 2 walks. Mets manager Terry Collins has indicated that Bay will return to the big club on Tuesday. Also, Jenrry Mejia pitched 2 innings in relief, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits.
About the Author
Paul is a freelance writer, blogger, and broadcast technology professional residing in Denver. A New Jersey native, he is a long-suffering Mets fan, a recently-happy Giants fan, and bewildered Islanders fan. He's also a fair-weather Avalanche and Rockies supporter. In his spare time, he enjoys the three Gs: Golf, Guitars, and Games.
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If they’re going strictly on the basis of “command”, then there’s probably little chance we’ll see Harvey starting on Saturday vs. the Dodgers.
Big League bats aren’t going to be fooled as easily as Triple-A / AAAA-types.
(Then again, they could potentially fall further into a tailspin vs. Washington – and need a “draw” by the end of the work-week — past-Edgardo Alfonzo Bobblehead Day, anyway. Not saying that’s smart – or will happen…..but food for thought when assessing the situation.)
Still, I don’t think there’s any need at all to have him up just yet.
- 4 Walks, a HBP, and a wild pitch are further evidence of that.
- Averaging less than 6 innings per start at the minor league level is, as well.
Command’s the key to everything…..efficiency, effectiveness — lasting longer within a ballgame.
Last thing I want to see is a rush-job to get him up here, to pitch 5 mediocre innings, then giving way to a bad bullpen.
Helps no one in the long-run. For me, at least – I’d need to see better (not to mention, consistently) from Mr. Harvey.
I agree ‘nutz. But in the end, if Harvey is better than Bautista, and being in the bigs will not hurt him in the long run, you have to do it.