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Baltimore Orioles actually considering Matt Harvey for second half

By David Hill

Jun 20, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Matt Harvey (32) takes a moment on the pitcher's mound during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Matt Harvey (32) takes a moment on the pitcher's mound during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Harvey has more lives than a horror movie villain at this point. The Baltimore Orioles pitcher has gotten chance after chance since the beginning of the 2016 season, yet has done absolutely nothing with any of them. Injuries and drug usage have contributed to his struggles, and he has even somehow been able to continue his career after his admitted involvement with the Tyler Skaggs situation where he supplied the deceased Angels pitcher with painkillers.

Nonetheless, there he is, back on the Orioles. He is in the midst of a 60 game suspension, but once he is eligible, general manager Mike Elias said that Harvey will be considered for a spot in the rotation in the second half depending on his performance in the minors.

Baltimore Orioles shooting themselves in the foot with Matt Harvey

At this point, it is doubtful that Harvey has anything left. He has been a part of five different organizations since the start of the 2018 season, and aside from a brief glimmer of hope here and there, has typically been a disaster. Harvey has posted a 6.00 ERA and a 1.477 WHiP in his 354 innings. He is not even close to the pitcher he was in his younger days.

Harvey is also a step in the wrong direction for other reasons. The Orioles are starting to show signs that they are coming out of their rebuild as there is a clear core developing. Adley Rutschman has been promoted to the majors while Grayson Rodriguez may not be that far behind him. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is growing brighter by the day.

What the Orioles do not need is a washed up has-been taking up a roster spot. Harvey has not shown anything in years to warrant a major league opportunity, especially with other prospects on the way. If the hope is that they can flip him for a piece at the trade deadline, that is what Jordan Lyles was signed for. And they tried that same tactic with Harvey last year.

Yes, people deserve a second chance. And yes, Harvey has the type of pedigree that will result in plenty of opportunities. But there comes a point where reality has to set in. Harvey is far beyond that point right now.

Next. Rutschman invokes memory of Wieters. dark

The Baltimore Orioles could consider Matt Harvey in the second half. That consideration should be a second to say ‘no’ and move on.

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