Sandy Alderson: Mets' Matt Harvey Could Throw 200 Innings This Year
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — While the New York Mets plan to closely monitor Matt Harvey's innings, general manager Sandy Alderson says his ace right-hander could throw 200 — including the postseason — in his first year back from elbow surgery.
Harvey hasn't pitched in a game since Aug. 24, 2013, and had elbow ligament-replacement surgery that Oct. 22.
Speaking a day before the Mets' first workout of his fifth spring training as their GM, Alderson didn't want to be more specific about Harvey's contemplated workload.
"If I give you a number, we're going to hear about that for the next 10 months," Alderson said Friday. "The number might change. We might take a look at Matt and say, 'Wow, let him go.' But we might have to dial it back a little bit.
"I think what's more important is how this thing is managed over the course of the season, but I don't think it's going to require that much management. We're not looking for him to pitch 215-20-25 innings. On the other hand, we're expecting him to have a solid season."
The 25-year-old was 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA two years ago, when he struck out 191 in 178 1-3 innings and started for the NL in the All-Star Game at Citi Field.
Alderson said in developing a plan for Harvey, the Mets researched how other teams handled pitchers coming back from elbow surgery.
Washington cut short Stephen Strasburg after 159 1-3 innings in 2012, his first full season in the majors after his elbow surgery.
Alderson said the Mets will not do that with Harvey.
"It's not that we have an innings limit," Alderson said. "We have a target number in mind that will inform us as we manage from day to day, from start to start. It's not an evolving strategy, but I think it's sort of a loose understanding of where we want to be at the end of the season."
Alderson said the team will take advantage of off days and spot starts to give Harvey extra rest throughout the season, but is mindful not to disrupt other pitchers in the rotation. The Mets start spring training with six potential starters, a group that also includes Zack Wheeler, NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom, Jonathon Niese, Bartolo Colon and Dillon Gee.
Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz are top prospects, and Syndergaard is expected to make his major league debut this season.
Alderson does not anticipate any trades before opening day.
"There aren't that many spring training deals," Alderson said. "It does happen. Someone may get hurt. Someone may have a need. But I don't plan on making a deal in spring training. What we have in camp is probably what we're going to have, and we have to make decisions accordingly."
Alderson also said third baseman David Wright is healthy. The Mets captain didn't play after Sept. 8 last season because of a left shoulder injury.
Wright batted .269 with eight homers — none after July 11 — and 63 RBIs.
"The report I got today (was) from the orthopedist who did all our physicals, and David was here for his, he's in outstanding shape," Alderson said. "No pain whatsoever, doesn't appear to be any residual impact from that injury and should be good to go."
Alderson expects closer Bobby Parnell to be ready to join the major league club between mid-April and early May. After struggling in last season's opener, Parnell had Tommy John surgery on April 8.
Alderson was encouraged many players worked out at the team's spring training facility during the offseason and said he has high expectations. The Mets have finished under .500 each of the past six seasons.
Last year, he said New York was capable of winning 90 games. The Mets dropped below .500 for good in mid-May and wound up 79-83.
"Is the team capable of winning 89-90 games? Yeah, I think the team is capable," Alderson said. "It has that capacity. I think it has that potential. What's more important to me is not what I think or what I estimate, or what I think is our capacity, it's what the players are thinking. What I've been impressed with is the way our players are approaching the season."
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