If the New York Mets make the postseason it doesn't appear as if Matt Harvey will play a significant role with the club. The latest rumors suggest the right-hander will be severely limited after his start tonight against the Washington Nationals.
General manager Sandy Alderson spoke to the media on Monday to discuss how the innings-limit "compromise" between the team and Harvey was going. After Harvey's agent, Scott Boras, came out on Friday to say his client was not permitted to exceed 180 innings on the year, Harvey himself confirmed that statement the following day before the Mets played the Marlins and surprised fans across the MLB.
Alderson and Mets' fans, rightfully so, were shocked at the whole development considering the GM said in the offseason that Harvey would be able to pitch up to 200 innings if the team made the postseason. Well, now Alderson is tasked with figuring out how the Mets will limit Harvey while also having him make an impact in the postseason.
Alderson didn't have much of an update yesterday, but rumors indicate it's not looking so great right now.
"A person familiar with the Mets' plans told USA TODAY Sports that after Harvey pitches Tuesday, he would be skipped in his next scheduled start, start one more time and wouldn't make another regular-season start unless needed on the final weekend of the season against the Nationals," Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports writes. "The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic.
"And if the Mets make the playoffs, he won't start more than once during any potential playoff series and perhaps could be limited to no more than 60 pitches in a start."
Alderson responded to the report and told both Marc Carig of Newsday and Mike Puma of the New York Post that there have been "no discussions about any plan."
Harvey is currently 12-7 with a 2.60 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 158 strikeouts in 25 starts (166 1/3 innings), which leaves him just 13 2/3 innings away from his limit of 180. That will likely give him two starts before he reaches that threshold for the regular season, plus at least one start if the Mets make the playoffs. According to this report, Harvey would only make three starts and throw a total of 180 pitches if the Mets were to make a World Series run.
Stay tuned for updates on Harvey's status after he makes a crucial start tonight against the Washington Nationals.