Los Angeles Angels: Matt Harvey just ended his career
By David Hill
The trial surrounding the passing of former Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs has held some fascinating moments. Several of them came from his former teammate Matt Harvey, who admitted that he had supplied Skaggs with percocet on June 27, less than a week before he had passed. As far as Harvey was concerned, he was just being a “good teammate” who was attempting to help Skaggs get through injury.
But there is far more to the story. Harvey has had battles with drug use before, including during his time with the Mets. In fact, the Mets, and Harvey’s agent, had tried to get him help long before he had been a part of the Angels’ organization.
I’ll say this and then stop: The Mets told me a looong time ago, before anything like this was public, that they tried to help him, as did his agent. So they weren’t willfully blind to what was going on because they were getting performance.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) February 15, 2022
Matt Harvey’s time with Los Angeles Angels ending his career
Harvey’s career had been hanging by a thread prior to his testimony. Once considered a burgeoning ace for the Mets, he had been anything but since the 2015 season. Questions about his work ethic and how much he had bought into the headlines began to surround him. Injuries and poor performance had derailed his career, leaving Harvey to bounce from team to team in hopes of finding himself once again.
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There appeared to be a chance that could happen. While his 6.27 ERA and 1.543 WHiP with the Orioles last season was horrendous, he posted a 4.60 FIP. His fastball was showing signs of life once more and his command was almost back. Harvey may not ever be an ace again, but there was a chance that he could be a respectable piece in the back of the rotation once more.
But that chance is gone now. Harvey may have thought he was being a good teammate, but the fact that he did not come forth with the knowledge he had when Skaggs passed away is suspicious at best. Teams are not going to want something like that on their roster when the league will have enough headaches once the lockout ends.
Teams will take chances on players. Former top prospects will keep getting opportunities, especially if they once had success at the major league level. Character issues can be overlooked if the player will still contribute to the box score. Harvey, however, can no longer do that.
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Matt Harvey may well have thrown his last pitch in the majors. His testimony during the trial of former Los Angeles Angels teammate Tyler Skaggs has ended his career.