It was a day of emotions at Citi Field yesterday, as the New York crowd welcomed back former star Matt Harvey with several warm ovations. After the game, Harvey described the reaction as “incredible,” saying he hadn’t known what kind of greeting to expect. He added that the crowd response had him “holding back tears” and that he’ll never forget it for the rest of his life.
Mets fans met Matt Harvey with class on Wednesday afternoon, giving him several warm ovations (with the former Met tipping his cap in response during the 1st inning). The kind welcome ended there. Clearly amped up, throwing 94 mph in the first inning, the Amazins eventually tagged him for seven earned runs on eight hits in just 4.1 innings. It was the worst start of the season for the resurgent right-hander.
Taijuan Walker continues to impress, throwing seven innings of one-run ball, striking out four and walking three. Yesterday, he found his split-change most useful against an Orioles lineup with several left-handed hitters. Reliever Drew Smith made his first appearance of the season after a bout with shoulder inflammation. The hard-throwing right-hander threw a clean ninth inning, allowing no baserunners and fanning one. He could be another valuable live arm out of the pen.
Manager Luis Rojas says Brandon Nimmo (bone bruise on finger) will make a rehab start before returning from the Injured List, perhaps over the weekend. And Rojas said Jeff McNeil (body cramps) should be ready to return on Friday
The Mets have another off-day on Thursday before traveling to Tampa to take on the defending American League champion Rays.Tampa has lost four of its past five, falling to .500 (19-19) with a 1-0 defeat on Wednesday. David Peterson will take the ball for the Mets against one of the American League’s top starters,Tyler Glasnow, who is 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA.