The New York Mets are such a tough team to root for at times. Just a few seasons ago, they were National League champions, since then it seems like the wheels have started to fall off. Last night, however, fans got a glimpse that things could be looking up. After a snowstorm in April the day before, Matt Harvey made his 2018 debut and he looked GOOD.
Pitching against NL East rival Philadelphia on a cold and rainy night, Harvey gave up one hit over five innings. Despite only throwing 86 pitches, manager Mickey Callaway decided to pull the starter in the fifth inning. Harvey did not get the win, but the Mets won the game 2-0. Harvey admitted that it felt good to get out there and not give up any runs after an awful 2017 season. He told the New York Times, “Going five innings and not giving up a ton of runs is definitely a plus and something I haven’t been used to.” He did not light up the radar gun, although he has thrown as hard as 96 MPH in spring training, it is tough to determine if it was weather related or something Harvey just cannot do anymore.
In 2017, Harvey had a 6.70 ERA and a bunch of off the field drama that completely overshadowed his season. After coming off multiple injuries and a three day suspension, it seemed like it could have been the end of his electric career. Was a guy who was once one of the best pitchers in baseball, coming off serious injuries and making multiple headlines in the tabloids even worth it?
If yesterday was any indication, the answer is yes. The Mets were smart not to give up the guy who truly turned this franchise around. When Harvey made his debut in 2012, it was clear he was a franchise changing pitcher. Not just because he could throw 99 MPH and strike out the world, but he carried himself with so much confidence that the Mets had been missing. Only time will tell if he will ever be that dominant ace who can strike out 10 in a game, but last night showed that he is in such a better place mentally. He looked better physically, looking like he lost weight since last season. Both Callaway and new pitching coach Dave Eiland have expressed immense confidence in the starter and helped him break poor habits on the mound.
Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom are the aces of the pitching staff, however, Harvey is the swagger and grit of the staff. He is the guy all Mets fans trusted during Game 5 of the World Series in the ninth inning when he told his manager at the time Terry Collins that he was going back out there. He is the guy who had blood dripping down his face during a game and was still throwing wicked strikes. If the Mets are serious about another deep playoff run, it will truly fall on Harvey’s shoulders. If he is able to be a third ace on the staff, then can be real contenders and can compete with any team in the league. Could the Dark Knight rise and return the Mets to the World Series? Way too soon to tell, but I’ll be watching!
