Matt Harvey Will Have Tommy John Surgery, Miss 2014 Season
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets have officially announced that their star right-handed pitcher Matt Harvey will have Tommy John Surgery and miss the entire 2014 season. Harvey received multiple opinions on his right elbow before finally deciding to have the surgery. Harvey was all in to just go through therapy and pitch through the injury. The Mets front office were smart in persuading Harvey to just miss the 2014 season, instead of letting it be a nagging injury for years to come.
We have seen many pitchers come back from this injury even stronger than before they were injured. The most notable as of late has been Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg had the surgery in 2011 and posted career best numbers in 2012. Yes it was his first complete season in the majors, but he posted a 3.16 ERA in 28 starts as he won 15 games.
2013 was Harvey’s first full season and it was a great one. He started 26 games, winning nine of them and posting a 2.27 ERA. If it wasn’t for the Mets lack of offense and bullpen struggles, Harvey could have ended with 12-14 wins on the season. He pitched 178 innings before the Mets shut him down. Harvey was the best in the National League in not giving up home runs in less than an half of a homer per nine innings.
There should be no reason for concern from the Mets about Harvey. He is in good hands and should come back even stronger setting them up for a possibly great 2015 season. They are looking to go get some big bats this off season to help with their big ball park. Zack Wheeler will be the big stud on the staff in 2014, but will have no pressure on him to perform until 2015. Look for Harvey to be ready to go by Spring Training in 2015 and ready to win games for New York.