Alderson: Harvey Might Pitch Against Yanks, Nats; Postseason Unclear
WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/AP) — The plan for Matt Harvey down the stretch could include him starting for the New York Mets in games against the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson also said Wednesday that the NL East leaders haven't determined how they might use Harvey beyond that in the postseason, if they get that far.
Harvey gave up a career high-tying seven runs in 5 1-3 innings Tuesday night during New York's 8-7 win at Washington. The victory gave the Mets a six-game lead over the Nationals. Wednesday's thrilling victory increased that lead to seven.
Harvey has thrown 171 2-3 innings this year, his first season since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2013. Harvey and the Mets want to keep his innings count around 180 to 185 for the regular season.
"When we put this plan together last winter we really didn't put any specific plan together with respect to the playoffs," Alderson said. "We thought conceptually he'd be available but we haven't really talked about how we'd practically implement that."
The Mets host the Yankees in an interleague series Sept. 18-20 and close the season at Citi Field against the Nationals on Oct. 2-4.
Alderson said he anticipates talking to Harvey's agent, Scott Boras, and the pitcher's surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, to solidify their plan.
"Still expect to have conversations with Dr. Andrews and Scott, so based on what we've talked about so far, he could (come) back for the Yankees series and come back for the Nationals series at the end," Alderson said.
"The doctor may decide that's not the best way to keep him ready, so I don't want to be evasive, but again everything's tentative right now," he said.
The Mets are using a six-man rotation with Bartolo Colon, Steven Matz, Noah Syndergaard and Jonathan Niese set for their four-game series this weekend at Atlanta.
They have not announced a starter for Monday, which would ostensibly be Harvey's turn. Alderson stopped short of confirming that Logan Verrett (1-0, 1.93 ERA) will make that start.
Alderson also said the Mets are considering skipping a start for Jacob deGrom. The 27-year-old righty went into Wednesday night's game against the Nationals having given up 11 earned runs over 14 2-3 innings in his last three outings. He was solid in the series finale, however, giving up two runs in seven innings and striking out nine.
"Giving him a break would be a good idea, as it would be for most starting pitchers," Alderson said.
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