Matt Harvey doesn't need to face Dodgers to get motivated
Matt Harvey of the Mets pumps his fist after an eighth-inning double play against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. (Aug. 7, 2013) Credit: Jim McIsaac
LOS ANGELES -- There should be no shortage of motivation for Matt Harvey when he takes the mound Tuesday night against the Dodgers.
Perhaps he could view his start as a showcase for Cy Young Award voters, who soon will begin evaluating candidates such as Clayton Kershaw. Or Harvey could find extra incentive by simply facing the Dodgers and their rising superstar Yasiel Puig.
But Monday, Harvey said his primary focus rests on doing his part to help the Mets continue their own recent stretch of strong play.
"It's an important game, an important series for us," Harvey said. "Obviously, the intensity has picked up a little bit as a whole for all of us. We want to make a good run. Having a good August is something at the break that we wanted to do."
Of course, Harvey (9-3, 2.09 ERA) figures to play a role in achieving that goal, especially with his personal goal of 200 innings within reach.
"He'll be pitching in front of 40,000, against a team that's red hot," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "We know Matt Harvey gets fired up for challenges like that."
Extra bases
Righthander Jeremy Hefner was examined by doctors in New York Monday, though the team said his status remains unchanged. Hefner was technically optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday but sent for tests on a lingering elbow issue. He is scheduled for a follow-up Wednesday . . . Collins views rookie Wilmer Flores, 22, strictly as an infielder. He has played at third base in the absence of David Wright, but Collins reiterated that he will also get a look at second base, though not at first or in the outfield.
