Harvey Unhappy With Pitchers Throwing Wright Inside, Vows To Retaliate
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- David Wright is getting pitched inside as much as ever -- maybe more than ever -- and teammate Matt Harvey isn't happy about it.
The Mets' ace, unlikely to pitch this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, is frustrated watching opposing hurlers abuse the captain.
"It's hard for me to watch David keep getting pushed back," Harvey told the New York Daily News. "I'm not happy about it. It's not right how guys are being able to manipulate his entire at-bat by pitching him up and in ... It's tough for him. He's had to adapt to a different style. And it's frustrating to watch from the sidelines and not be able to do something about it."
No, the 2013 National League All-Star Game starter can't do anything about it from the dugout -- and from Port St. Lucie -- but you better believe he'll have the All-Star third baseman's back when he returns to the mound.
"When it would happen once in a while last year, I'd be the first guy to throw one behind somebody's ear," the hard-throwing righty told the newspaper. "And I don't forget. Once I'm back I'll be excited about getting the chance to help the captain."
Wright hasn't been his usual terrific self in 2014. Not having much protection behind him in what is an anemic offense, the 31-year-old's numbers are down across the board.
In 66 games this season, the veteran is batting .270 with just four home runs and 32 RBIs. He's hit 14 doubles but has drawn just 23 walks. The two-time Silver Slugger Award winner's .329 on-base percentage and .365 slugging percentage are uncharacteristically low.
"It's out there, everybody knows," Harvey said. "If guys don't know by now that something needs to be done, it's going to continue to happen, and that's not acceptable."
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