Harvey makes a good impression
Mets prospect Matt Harvey throws a live batting session during spring training. (Feb. 25, 2012) Credit: Alejandra Villa
JUPITER, Fla. -- Matt Harvey was among the first to go from major-league camp Thursday as the Mets made their first round of cuts, which totaled 11, before that afternoon's game against the Marlins. A few hours later, Terry Collins suggested Harvey also could be among the first to return if the team needs rotation help in the near future.
"I think he's real close," Collins said, "but he's got to refine some stuff."
The manager told Harvey when camp opened that he would not crack the Opening Day rotation if everyone stayed healthy, and at this point, the Mets' starting five is the only group that has avoided the injury bug. But Collins said Harvey could edge other candidates, such as Chris Schwinden, for the sixth spot on the depth chart, depending on how he pitches.
"You're allowed to be ---- off for 24 hours, then you have to get back to work," Collins said. As for the decision to cut Harvey, he added, "Either prove us right or prove us wrong."
Harvey was impressive in his last two outings. On Friday, he pitched two perfect innings against the Braves, striking out Jason Heyward with a high 95-mph fastball. On Wednesday, he was bumped to a minor-league intrasquad game and overpowered with eight strikeouts in five innings.
He reached 96 mph a handful of times, hovered in the 93-94 range and looked sharp with his slider and curve. When asked if he felt major league- ready, Harvey nodded.
"I'd like to think so," he said. "Whenever they feel that I'm ready, I guess that's when I'm ready. But that's not my call. I've got to go about my business and keep working."
As for making the Mets out of spring training, Harvey thought he had a shot. "Every time I pick up a baseball, the big leagues are on my mind," he said, "so it doesn't matter to me where I am. It's not my decision."
Collins said he will be brought back a few times to pitch in Grapefruit League games. Harvey, outfielder Matt den Dekker and first baseman Valentino Pascucci were the three players assigned to the minor-league side. Nine others were optioned, meaning they cannot return except in the case of injury: Jenrry Mejia, Armando Rodriguez, Robert Carson, Wilmer Flores, Juan Lagares, Reese Havens, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Zach Lutz and Josh Stinson.
Extra bases
Collins was ejected from Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Marlins after arguing a batter-interference call. He said it was the first time he had been tossed from a spring training game. "Those things happen," he said . . . R.A. Dickey pitched two scoreless innings before finishing his work in the covered bullpen because of rain. Bobby Parnell struck out two in his one inning . . . Jason Bay went 2-for-2 with a double . . . Collins is hopeful that Ruben Tejada (groin) can play Friday.
