5 W’s — From What to Why: Harvey makes strong return to Mets rotation
Daily article discussing one of the most important events from the previous day of baseball. The 5 W’s will be discussed, concluding with the why — as in why it is important.
What?
After missing the second half of the 2016 season as a result of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey made his return to the starting rotation.
Who?
After a solid 2015 season returning from Tommy John surgery, 2016 wasn’t as kind to Harvey. The Mets pitcher gave up four or more runs in six of his 17 starts, and made it into the seventh inning just twice. When his season ended due to the aforementioned TOS, many wondered if Harvey would ever be the same.
When?
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Where?
Citi Field, New York, NY
Why?
As most of the day was spent wondering if Harvey would be able to make his season debut at waterlogged Citi Field, the game started promptly and without issue. Harvey took just six pitches to retire Atlanta’s Ender Inciarte, Dansby Swanson, and Freddie Freeman.
Harvey continued with more of the same as he powered through the Braves batting order the first time through, allowing just one hit: A Nick Markakis infield single. Markakis was promptly retired on a Brandon Phillips double play.
By the time the fifth inning had rolled around, Harvey looked like the Harvey of old, having set down 12 of the first 13 hitters he faced. Matt Kemp opened the fifth inning as the game was still a scoreless tie, and deposited a Harvey 2–0 mistake into the left field bleachers for the game’s first run.
Harvey would pick up right where he left off following Kemp’s home run, however. He struck out Markakis and got Phillips and Adonis Garcia to ground out. The sixth inning saw Atlanta go down 1–2–3 yet again, and Harvey was, once again, in complete control.
With the Mets taking a 4–1 lead in the bottom of the sixth and Harvey’s pitch count starting to climb, it was evident the seventh would likely be his last inning. After getting Swanson and Freeman to strike out (both swinging) to open the inning, Kemp sent another pitch into the left field bleachers to cut New York’s lead to 4–2 and end Harvey’s night. He finished the evening with six-and-two-thirds innings pitched, giving up three hits and two runs (both home runs to Kemp), zero walks, and four strikeouts.
If Harvey can be this pitcher instead of the pitcher he was in his turbulent 2016 season, the Mets will be a force to be reckoned with in the NL East.
