Spring Training is an interesting time to begin analyzing, as players are just getting into the swing of things and could be experimenting with new mechanics or approaches. However, Matt Harvey’s undisclosed injury six days before Opening Day could lead to an uneasy feeling about the Mets starting rotation, which was thought to be the strongest part of the team. If we take a look at some of the Spring Training statistics, there are several worrying signs with the current state of the starting rotation, but then again, this could just be players adjusting to the upcoming season.
Entering this season as the fifth starter, the veteran Colon has struggled to prevent the opposition from scoring this spring. In 23.2 innings, opponents are hitting .299, and his ERA is 6.08. The reassuring part of these statistics, is that Colon has never been a lights-out pitcher in spring, as his career ERA in this exhibition season is 5.71.
Colon’s control has been phenomenal, as he has struck out 20 hitters while walking a single hitter. The lack of walks could be leading to an increase in hits, leading to more runs allowed and a higher average. The level of worry should not be too high for Colon, as he is mostly in the rotation to take up innings.
Matt Harvey
With all the news about this injury taking place, we do not know what Harvey is going through, but his last start against the Houston Astros was one to forget. His fastball did not have its typical velocity, as it seemed to hover in the low-90’s, and the Astros ended up scoring six runs in three innings.
Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins have said that his arm is okay, which should provide some relief to Mets fans, but even still, if the Met are going to be competing, they need Harvey.
The pitcher who may be causing the most concern in camp is the southpaw Matz. Last season was a nice one for Matz, but one main concern was his endurance in games. Collins may have been told to keep his young pitcher healthy throughout the season, and may have chosen to limit the innings being pitched.
March has not been kind to Matz, as his control has been off. In 18.2 innings, he has walked 11 hitters, while striking out 15. His ERA is 6.27, and although it may seem high, his last start against the Washington Nationals was a little more promising, as a performance containing 5.2 innings and allowing a solo home run as the only hit acts as a preview of what is to come this season. Once again, this start featured a control problem, as four batters were walked.
If control continues to be an issue moving forward, an adjustment may be needed, but if Matz can limit the walks, and his stuff continues to improve, then there is no worrying needed here. However, the free passes have to decrease.
Maybe it is not time to worry about the starting rotation, as Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard have performed just fine throughout March. The other three pitchers may have had shaky starts, but it could just be an off day. Hopefully we will hear about Harvey’s condition in the next couple of days, and see what the future holds for the starting rotation. This year is not going to be easy, but the rotation is going to play a big part in competing.
Harvey’s issue is not serious. now being reported that he had a blood clot in his bladder and is now okay. He alerted medical staff that his urine was odd-colored. He passed the clot but as a precaution they wanted him to get his bladder checked out and there is no further issue. He may still miss opening day though.
Thanks for the update Matty Mets, just heard that it was only blood clots. It doesn’t sound like this will hurt Harvey during the season, but let’s hope it subsides as we move forward.
Should we worry?
Will it help?
I think there will always be worries with a team built around pitching. Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, those guys would agree.
“Will it help?”
well played DED. great movie
There’s a school of thought that suggests that any sports headline which asks a yes or no question should always be answered, “No.”
Dark Knight is a go for opening day. Fans on social media were really obnoxious with the speculation. A lot of fans seem to not like Harvey. Not sure if it’s a football mentality that players should always play through pain or if they’re just jealous of this young star who has the world on a string. Either way, when he wins 20 games, strikes out 230 and battles Kershaw for the Cy Young award they’ll come around.
I think a lot of fans have a negative opinion of Harvey because of his actions outside the game and because of the media. Those go hand in hand here, though. Sure, Harvey has certainly shown he enjoys the limelight, but the media has really gone out of its way to present him the worst possible way in pretty much every “controversy” involving him.
It doesn’t help that we constantly read how he’ll be a Yankee when he hits FA. Like you said, though, if he dominates then people will change their tune.
Yes…if you’re a Worrier, it’s just about the only thing to worry about with this team. There are answers, in house and in trade, for all the other “parts”—outstanding starting pitching is not quickly replaceable.