New York Mets’ Matt Harvey should be available for possible NLCS Game 5

Matt Harvey led the New York Mets to a 4-2 win over the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the NLCS. He pitched 7.2 innings, struck out nine and only walked two. However, during the course of the game he was struck by a line drive off the bat of Dexter Fowler. The ball hit Harvey in the triceps, and there was some concern about whether or not it would affect his availability for a potential Game 5.

Anthony DiComo, the Mets beat writer for MLB.com, confirmed that Harvey should be ready to go if Game 5 is necessary.

Harvey pitched well for the Mets in 2015 after missing all of 2014 due to Tommy John surgery. He finished the year at 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA. However, Harvey’s status for the postseason was uncertain. He told the media that Dr. James Andrews had given him a 180-inning limit for this season. That was after the Mets had stated Harvey was not under an innings limit. Currently, Harvey has pitched 189.1 innings.

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The Cubs have some work to do before they worry about Harvey in Game 5. Here is how the pitching match-ups should stack up for the rest of the NLCS:

Game 4: Steven Matz vs. Jason Hammel

Game 5: Matt Harvey vs. Jon Lester

Game 6: Noah Syndergaard vs. Jake Arrieta

Game 7: Jacob deGrom vs. Kyle Hendricks

Next: Mets conquering top pitchers in postseason

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