New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey was suffering from blood clots and will be off the mound for at least one start. However, he is poised to be ready for Opening Day.
Continue for updates.
Latest on Harvey’s Playing Status
Tuesday, March 29
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that Harvey is probable to get the start on Opening Day against the Kansas City Royals. Adam Rubin of ESPN reported that Harvey could return to the mound on Saturday, but his status is “still up in [the air].”
Harvey Speaks on Blood Clots, Recovery
Tuesday, March 29
Harvey told reporters he will be “completely fine” to pitch against the Royals, adding that the clots were caused by “holding in my urine too long instead of using the restroom.”
The Mets ace also added that he had a bladder infection that prompted the clots but has since been cleared for light activities.
Harvey Has Recovered from Blood Clots
Tuesday, March 29
Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News first reported the news, noting the pitcher had clots in his bladder and has since passed them. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com passed along a report from Ed Coleman of WFAN, who noted Harvey’s condition is not considered serious.
Ackert noted Harvey walked into the clubhouse Tuesday looking “tired and pale” after being discharged.
Collins Comments on Harvey’s Injury
Monday, March 28
The Mets scratched Harvey from Tuesday’s scheduled start, and manager Terry Collins told reporters he’s “hopeful” Harvey will pitch the team’s season opener but that they’re “waiting for medical results.”
“His arm is fine,” Collins said, adding that Harvey’s injury is a “mystery,” per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
Harvey Poised to Anchor Mets’ Stellar Rotation
Harvey missed the entire 2014 season after he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right (throwing) elbow, but he returned in 2015 to pitch 189.1 innings during the regular season before tossing 26.2 solid innings in the postseason en route to the National League pennant.
And while Harvey had a minor case of what Collins labeled “dead arm” last May, per Ackert, it proved to be nothing more than a minor hindrance. He finished 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 188 strikeouts.
The Mets have arguably baseball’s most dynamic rotation in Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Bartolo Colon, so losing the Dark Knight for a start or two is hardly be a crippling blow.
With Harvey facing a speedy recovery, it’s the best news possible for a team hoping to return to the World Series.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless noted otherwise.
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