After scaring the hell out of the Mets last year, the team got good news as ace Matt Harvey returned to the mound pitching more than 50 percent coming off Tommy John Surgery.
In two seasons, the 25-year-old has a career 12-10 record, with a 2.39 ERA, 237.2 innings pitched, 261 strikeouts and 57 walks. Solid numbers considering the team he has behind him however the big question going into the season will be how he bounces back after the TJS.
General manager Sandy Alderson noted last week, the Mets will be somewhat careful with Harvey over the next seven weeks of Spring Training. He may lag a few days behind other pitchers when it comes to throwing live batting practice, though that could still occur as soon as this week. Harvey also may not start one of the very first games of the regular season, even if manager Terry Collins expects him to pitch in one of the first five.
“It’s just great to see him back out there,” Collins said. “Being a manager and having your No. 1 guy come back after missing a full season, makes you a little excited and it changes most things you prepare for the season to begin.”