New York Mets Matt Harvey Continues to Struggle

By Robert McGeorge | May 25, 2016

Mets ace Matt Harvey has struggled mightily this season. Will he improve or is the new norm?

Is it panic time in New York and for fantasy owners out there? What has happened to the Mets ace Matt Harvey this season? Harvey has been a top-10 pitcher for fantasy owners as he has dominated since coming up to the majors in 2012. This season however, he seems to be anything but what he has shown in the past. Can the young right-hander figure out what is wrong?

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So far this season, Harvey is a mere 3-7 with only 44 strikeouts and an ERA of over 6.00 due to another pitiful start against divisional foe, the Washington Nationals Tuesday night. Easily the worst start to his young career, which is highly uncharacteristic for the Mets Pitcher.

Prior to entering this season, Matt Harvey had a career 2.53 ERA with 449 K’s in 427.0 innings pitched. His K rate is clearly down this season as he only has 44 strikeouts in 53.1 innings pitched. He has clearly had some issues, and perhaps most notably, a dip in velocity. We all know what Harvey is capable of, throwing in the mid to upper 90’s with his fastball. The past few games for him however, he’s been averaging between 92-94 mph.

The question everyone is asking, “Is it time to panic with Harvey?” In the long run, I will say no. However, I do believe lingering affects from his Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2014 season, are indeed a factor.

The Mets have ultimately decided to not skip Matt Harvey’s next start. He will pitch next Monday at home against AL Central leading Chicago White Sox. This may be the last chance for the time being for Harvey to prove himself, as the Mets seemed somewhat reluctant to keep Harvey out there. The White Sox are a solid hitting team, so Harvey may be worth a bench in that game if you do not trust him, which I’m sure is the case for many owners out there.

In 2015, Matt Harvey went over his so-called “innings limit” by 36 innings. The Mets would have been the most foolish team of all time, if they did not let him pitch as they headed for the World Series. The Mets did the right thing in letting Harvey pitch over his limit, even after Tommy John surgery.

I believe a DL stint will be in near future for the “Dark Knight.” He has recorded just three strikeouts in his previous two outings. Yes, three strikeouts and has not made it to the six inning in four of his last five starts for the Mets.

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Manager Terry Collins said on Sports Center, “What he did last year, there is going to be a period that he’s got to recover. And I don’t think that period has come here yet. And that’s where I want the fight . That’s where the fight has to be.” Matt Harvey will indeed have to fight to get back to form with his numerous struggles this season. I believe he will be back to form, but after some rest, and most likely a DL stint.

Even though recent speculation claims there is nothing physically wrong. Keep an eye on his velocity in his next start vs. the White Sox on Monday. This could decide the fate for him and the Mets.

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