Matt Harvey makes debut
Matt Harvey #70 of the New York Mets pitches during a preseason game against the Washington Nationals at Digital Domain Park. (March 5, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Matt Harvey's eagerly awaited Mets debut in Monday night's 3-1 loss to the Nationals was pretty much what you might expect from his first time out.
Harvey, taking part in his first major-league camp, didn't allow a hit in two scoreless innings. He walked three and also drilled Jesus Floresto load the bases in the fourth. But he got Xavier Paul to swing at a first-pitch sinker for a double play.
The sinker is a pitch Harvey added during the offseason after getting burned up in the strike zone last season. "It was moving pretty good," he said.
The marquee matchup of the evening also came in the fourth when Harvey, the seventh overall pick in the 2010 draft, faced Bryce Harper, who was selected No. 1 that year. Harvey walked him on four pitches.
Asked if that could be the start of a battle that continues into the majors, Harvey chose not to look that far ahead. "I'm just trying to stay healthy," he said, "and hopefully I can get there."
