New York Mets: Matt Harvey Strings Together Two Solid Starts

Matt Harvey was arguably one bad start away from having his start skipped in the New York Mets rotation after a rough start to the season. In a span of a week Harvey has thrown two gems and looks to be on his way back to being the dominant pitcher he was last season.

What a difference a week makes.

After struggling in the first two months of the season with an ERA over 6, many wanted Harvey to skip his next start or make a DL stint.

Harvey was 3-8 coming into the last week of May with arguably his job on the line facing the White Sox at home.

Harvey bounced back and pitched a gem, allowing only two hits, no runs, and striking out six against the White Sox.

Fast forward to Sunday, Matt Harvey proved that Monday was certainly no fluke.

Harvey pitched another seven innings allowing only four hits and one run. The one run came on a J.T. Realmunto single, which scored Derek Dietrich from second base.

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Even though he pitched well, Harvey was up against Jose Fernandez, and one run is all he would need. He hurled 14 strikeouts over seven innings of work without allowing a run. Fernandez would come away with the win and Harvey would come away with the loss. Although, given how Harvey pitched and given his recent struggles, you could say there is a silver lining to the loss.

With the concern around Harvey, it was important for him to come out and prove that he is back.

After the loss, Harvey said:

"“It’s still two starts. Obviously there were massive struggles that happened before. The only thing you want to think of is not letting that creep back in. Today was, I guess you could say, a second step from the last start. But obviously going deep into the game and feeling pretty good, it’s definitely a positive.”"

After today’s start, Harvey’s ERA is down to 4.95, which is impressive if you remember it had reached 6.08 a week ago.

Also during the game, Harvey reached a milestone by throwing his 500th career strikeout against Justin Bour in the 2nd inning.

The New York Mets will need a healthy and producing Harvey if they are to keep within reach of the Washington Nationals. The Mets trail the Nationals by 1.5 games in the division, with the Marlins right behind them, now 2 games back in the NL East.

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Likely, Harvey’s next start will come against in Milwaukee against the Brewers. He will look to make it three consecutive solid starts.