Baltimore Orioles may have trade piece in Matt Harvey
It is difficult to imagine that Matt Harvey would have any type of a trade market this season. Even though the Baltimore Orioles continue to send him to the mound every fifth day, he has been a disaster, leading the American League in losses and leading the majors in earned runs. Nonetheless, the Orioles continue to hold out hope that maybe, just maybe, Harvey can find his way once again.
There was a time when that seemed possible. Harvey had performed well in April, posting a 4.26 ERA and a 1.303 WHiP over his 25.1 innings. Then the calendar flipped to May, and his performance completely fell apart. He has begun to look like the same pitcher who has been a disaster since the 2016 season, almost completely unusable.
Baltimore Orioles may be able to get something for Matt Harvey
That was the case again on Sunday. Harvey struggled once again, allowing four earned runs on nine hits and two walks over his 4.1 innings, striking out four batters. It was the type of outing that one had come to expect from him.
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But there were positive signs. Harvey actually held the Orioles off the scoreboard for the first four innings before everything fell apart in the fifth. Up to that point, he had allowed just four hits and a walk over the first four innings, notching all four of his strikeouts. He even dialed his fastball up to 97.2 MPH, the first time his fastball has been over 97 MPH since 2018.
The fact that Harvey was able to reach 97 MPH, and that he held a strong Blue Jays lineup in check over the first four innings, is a reason for hope. Granted, it is just one outing, but this type of an outing could be a sign that he could thrive in the bullpen. He certainly would not cost much for a team willing to take that chance.
His next few outings will be interesting to watch. If Harvey can build off of his first four innings on Sunday, and his newfound velocity remains, he may become a target for teams looking for a low cost option to improve their bullpen depth.
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Matt Harvey showed flashes that he may have something left. If he continues to show that improved velocity, he could be an interesting relief option.