New York Mets Amazin’ News, 4/7/17: Could Matt Harvey Be an Ace Again?

After last night’s encouraging start from Matt Harvey, the New York Mets have to feel good about the top three of their rotation.

[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ots of good came out of the New York Mets 6-2 win to close out their three-game series with the Atlanta Braves last night, but there was no bigger story than the incredible start for former ace Matt Harvey to open his 2017 campaign.

Harvey tossed a gem over 6.2 innings, allowing three hits, no walks and two runs, while striking out four. But the righty had thrown just 77 pitches — 55 of which were strikes — before getting the hook from manager Terry Collins.

Matt Harvey discusses the behind-the-scenes work that fueled his improvement since spring training. #Mets pic.twitter.com/QdBghDBrpg

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 7, 2017

If Harvey can return to being the 2015 version of himself, the Mets top three, including him, Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom, could be the most formidable opening rotational group of any team in the majors.

[sc name=”Mets Link Related” link=”https://elitesportsny.com/2017/04/06/new-york-mets-2017-matt-harvey-looks-like-2013-version-photo/” text=”New York Mets: 2017 Matt Harvey ‘Looks’ Like the 2013 Version (Photo)” ]

Just as the universe would have it, NFL quarterback turned MLB “prospect” outfielder Tim Tebow smacked a home run in his first at-bat with the Mets’ Low-A affiliate, the Columbia Fireflies.

To make things just a little more ridiculous, Tebow’s shot was to the opposite field, although it barely cleared the wall, as the southpaw had thought it was a double before being sent around the diamond.

ESNY has the story on the “Tebow Train’s” magic beginning here.

Tim Tebow went yard in his first minor league at-bat 😱 (via @Mike_Uva) https://t.co/PDPTvpVJME

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 7, 2017

Although Harvey’s start still likely remains king in Mets fans minds, Travis d’Arnaud has officially been crowned the real “King of Queens.”

After falling down 1-0 to the Braves on a Matt Kemp home run in the top of the fifth, d’Arnaud cracked an 0-1, 75 mph curveball out of the left hand of Jaime Garcia for a double, scoring Jay Bruce in the bottom of the fifth frame.

That clutch extra-base hit started the Mets rolling for the rest of the night, as they eventually won.

And what, naturally, does a team give away to their player of the game? A crown, of course.

Mets used to give a wrestling belt to the player of the game. Travis d'Arnaud said too many teams were copying it so now they use this: pic.twitter.com/63xkwt0d7V

— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) April 7, 2017

You’re welcome Mets fans, as the royal picture that has been laid before you should be savored for years to come.

Two-year rotation absentee Zack Wheeler will make his first start since 2014 tonight against Wei-Yin Chen and the Miami Marlins.

Wheeler had an overall rough spring, but encouraged management with a five-inning shutout to wrap up his work in Port St. Lucie.

That start, along with his returning mid-90s velocity, is what gave Collins and others in the organization the go-ahead to feel safe with him in the rotation.

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