Matt Harvey was the toast of New York City about this time last year and even as recently as this past October. However, he also pitched a ton of innings to help his team reach the World Series and that wear and tear could be catching up to him now.
It certainly seemed that way after Harvey was completely dominated by the Washington Nationals in a 9-1 loss. What was a bad start to the season became the worst single start of his career, giving up eight hits in 2 2/3 innings along with all nine runs (six earned) scored by the Nationals.
Even Bryce Harper — who came in 0-for-21 vs Harvey — found a way to get a hit vs Harvey, and he took notice of what seems to be a major problem happening with Harvey- a sharp dip in his velocity this season:
Bryce Harper on Matt Harvey: "I feel bad for him." pic.twitter.com/vf9FRf0Ykp
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) May 20, 2016
Things didn’t seem so great in the Mets’ locker room either, as manager Terry Collins suggested that Harvey may even skip his next start next week against this same Nationals squad:
Terry Collins says that he will consider not starting Matt Harvey next week against the Nationals. Wow.
— Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) May 20, 2016
It wasn’t just a one-game issue against a good hitting team either, as Harvey has given up 65 hits in 48 1/3 innings pitched already this season:
Harvey has allowed 65 hits, 15 walks in 48 1/3 IP in ’16. https://t.co/dh1s3Qv6wh Opponents hitting .325. 2013: .200 2014: .209 2015: .222.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 20, 2016
Whether it’s physical or psychological, Harvey and the Mets clearly have a lot to figure before he can get back to helping his team make another run out of the NL East.
