Mets Articles

Matt Harvey Changes His Tune

Matt Harvey must have read the Internet on Sunday, hearing what a horrible person he was for not committing to pitching in the playoffs. Because Sunday evening he did a complete 180 (pun intended), because now he says he will absolutely, positively pitch in October if the Mets make it.

Writing in The Players’ Tribune (where Harvey is apparently the New York City Bureau Chief), he said:

You’ve heard about the 180-185 innings cap. That seems to be the number that will allow me to pitch into the postseason. Regardless of those numbers, I hope everyone knows: I have always wanted to play. I have always wanted to pitch every single chance I get.

Especially in the playoffs…

As an athlete, when your surgeon explains to you the risks of exceeding a certain number of innings, it can be alarming. You listen. I love to play baseball and I love winning even more. I would not give that up for anything. I also know I want to be able to play and win for a long time. But there has never been a doubt in my mind: I will pitch in the playoffs. I will be healthy, active and ready to go.

He went on to say he will be communicating with the powers that be to figure out a plan. That jibes with what Sandy Alderson said, that all sides will meet on Monday to figure things out.

Harvey may be a “diva” like everybody says, but it appears he wants the fans to like him. Or else he (or his ghostwriter or more likely, Scott Boras) wouldn’t have bothered to write this. The bottom line is whether he pitches in the post-season or not. If he does, he will be loved. If he does not, he will be hated, regardless of columns on a website.

Finally, though, it appears Matt Harvey is saying the right things:

I understand the risks. I am also fully aware of the opportunity the Mets have this postseason. Winning the division and getting to the playoffs is our goal.

Once we are there, I will be there.

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