Matt Harvey Spring
Robby Sabo, ESNY Graphic, Getty Images

New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey made his first start of the spring on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves and showcased a good showing.

New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey made his first start of spring training on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves, and it didn’t go as badly as many thought it would.

Harvey had a nice showing as he struck out Ronald Acuna and Freddie Freeman and walked one. In two innings he allowed one run. He topped out at 96 mph. Zack Wheeler pitched in relief.

The Mets are trying to decide what to do with Wheeler, who is currently sixth on the rotation depth chart. Manager Mickey Callaway has said that Wheeler is definitely a starter but he has been “piggy-backing” with Harvey, according to David Lennon of Newsday.

Last year, Harvey struggled after having surgery in 2016 to remove a rib. However, he entered spring training with a positive state of mind and the hope that injuries are behind him.

“Going into this year I strive to be better than I was before. And there’s no reason why I can’t,” Harvey said, per Matt Ehalt of NorthJersey.com. “I’m still (28) years old and there’s a lot left in the tank. I’m ready to go. I’m excited. The ball’s coming out better than it has in a long time. I’m just excited, like I said, finally having a normal offseason and getting my strength back. There’s no reason I can’t be better than I was before.”

Callaway said that he would be watching Harvey’s demeanor when he is pitching.

“Demeanor goes a long way and I think we want to see that from all our pitchers as well. I want to see a guy that is not getting rattled, not getting frustrated and can move on from what happens,” Callaway said, per Ehalt. “Those things matter not only for Matt Harvey but for all of our pitchers.”

Not a bad start for Harvey. Now let’s see if he can be a quality starter again like he was in 2015.

I graduated from Marist College with a Bachelors in Sports Communications in 2011. I am a huge sports fan. I also write articles for TheCelebrityCafe.com.