Though he served as the face of the New York Mets franchise just a few years ago, the Matt Harvey era has ended in New York.
Matt Harvey Designated for Assignment
It’s been a whirlwind of emotions for Matt Harvey over the last few years. Harvey looked like he might never throw a baseball again after a very serious shoulder injury that almost ended his career. Last year, the former Mets ace made 18 starts and finished with a 6.70 ERA. This year, he made four starts before being moved to the bullpen and has compiled a 7.00 ERA in eight appearances. Harvey was offered the option to go down to the minors, but he declined.
BREAKING: The Mets have requested that Matt Harvey agree to a minor league assignment. He refused to accept, and will be DFA'd.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 4, 2018
It’s been a sad downfall for Harvey, who was one of the most exciting young arms in the game back in 2013. He started for the National League team in the All-Star game that year at Citi Field. He underwent Tommy John surgery after that season, but returned in 2015 and won the NL comeback player of the year after going 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA.
GM Sandy Alderson told reporters on Friday that, “this was a long time coming, and there were some mechanical issues that were not being fixed”.
Harvey’s talent is there. He was one of the best pitchers in the game just a few years ago. A fresh start with a new organization could be exactly what Harvey needs. His velocity isn’t what it used to be, but he still had some good stuff. It will be interesting to see if a club gives the former All-Star a chance.
When DFA’d, a player is taken off the 40-man roster and 25-man roster. Within seven days of the transaction, the player has to be traded, released, or put on outright waivers.
Harvey voiced to the Mets that he wasn’t interested in going to the minor leagues and finding himself like other great pitchers have done in the past. However, it could be his only choice if he wants to make his way back to the majors with another organization. Hopefully, we’ll see Harvey back in the big leagues at some point.
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