New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey took Major League Baseball by storm during his first year and a half. Some would say he was the hottest young pitcher the majors had seen since Stephen Strasburg came on the scene with the Nationals. In 2012, the then 23 year old Harvey bursted onto the scene in just 10 starts. Harvey posted a 3-5 record for the under performing Mets but held a 2.73 ERA while striking out 70 batters in just 59 1/3 innings. Despite a small sample size of just 10 starts, Met fans were eager for the 2013 season. Harvey delivered on all the hype in 2013. In 26 starts, Harvey posted a record of 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA with 191 strikeouts in 178 and 1/3 innings for the Mets. He was good enough to earn the start for the National League team at the All Star break which took place in front of his home fans at Citi Field.
Many young pitchers have been put on innings restrictions in order to avoid injury and Harvey was no different. At the break, he was on pace to reach about 250 innings, too many for a young arm. Moving forward, Harvey was on a innings restriction. Unfortunately in late August, Harvey was diagnosed with a partially torn UCL and hit the DL. While he tried to rehab it, the Mets discovered he needed surgery in October. A huge blow to the Mets as some pitchers have never returned the same from such an injury.
After missing all of the 2014 season, Harvey is ready to get back on the mound and help show everyone he’s still got it. Now 25, Harvey wants to show everyone the best is yet to come and he has all of his prime to show that. Harvey plans to be ready for Opening Day on April 6th but the Mets will have to take a look at what he’s got during Spring Training. The Mets look to have a formidable young trio in Harvey, Jacob deGrom, and Zack Wheeler. A lot of the Mets success will depend on the health of Matt Harvey in 2015.