What Happened, In One Sentence:
Matt Harvey dominated for four innings despite poor velocity, then got hammered as the Mets lost 7-5.
Warning Signs for Matt Harvey
Matt Harvey looked like he was cruising through the first four innings. No one had reached base, but the good results for Harvey hid a fatal flaw: a fastball that rarely topped 93 mph on the stadium’s radar gun. Pitch F/X data – which measures velocity at a different point – clocked Harvey’s average fastball at just 94 mph, the second lowest average velocity of his career according to Brooks Baseball. Harvey has had seasons where it took a few starts to build up to his normal velocity in the past, but the decline from his previous two starts may be a cause for concern.
In the fifth inning, the Indians started attacking Harvey’s relatively weak fastball. Carlos Santana walked for Cleveland’s first baserunner after 13 outs. He stole second and then Jose Ramirez doubled over Alejandro De Aza’s head. The no hitter was gone. The shutout was gone. Juan Uribe came up next and made sure the Mets’ lead was gone with a single to left. Harvey was completely unable to make adjustments in the sixth inning as his fastball velocity continued to fall. He tried using his slider and curve more, but these pitches either missed the plate or got hit like his fastball did. Harvey only got three swings and misses on 45 off-speed pitches, another ominous sign for the power pitcher. After 86 pitches, Terry Collins had seen enough: five runs had scored and the bases were loaded. Rafael Montero came in to mop up, striking out Tyler Naquin looking to get out of the jam before creating his own mess in the 7th.
Late Waking Bats Hit More Homers
The Mets used the same lineup as last night, with Michael Conforto hitting third and Yoenis Cespedes hitting cleanup and playing designated hitter. Friday’s power surge rolled in to the first at bat Saturday, as Curtis Granderson led off the game with his first home run of the season. Josh Tomlin hadn’t pitched a competitive game since Spring Training and the rust showed in the second inning. Lucas Duda and Neil Walker hit line drive outs before Asdrubal Cabrera and Travis d’Arnaud smacked line drives that avoided gloves. Tomlin was on the ropes, but Alejandro De Aza swung at a curveball well below the strike zone for strike three to end the threat. The Mets didn’t have another major threat until after Cleveland broke the game wide open.
Cleveland gave the Mets a chance to get back in the game when they turned to Bryan Shaw to pitch the 8th inning. Shaw was the Indians primary setup man last year but he has struggled to start this season. A six run lead seems like the perfect time to let Shaw work through his issues. Granderson pounced right away with a leadoff double. David Wright drew another walk and Cespedes hammered a cutter left in his low-middle hot zone. Two batters later Walker hit a towering fly just inside the foul pole. Terry Francona wasted no time turning to closer Cody Allen for a four out save. Kevin Plawecki led off the ninth with a walk but the Mets were unable to get a ball out of the infield.
d’Arnaud Leaves With Injury
Travis d’Arnaud was hit by a pitch in the right elbow in the 7th inning. He stayed in to run, but was removed for Kevin Plawecki in the bottom of the inning. A hit by pitch caused d’Arnaud’s first trip to the DL last year. With his injury history, any removal from the game is worrisome. Thankfully X-rays were negative, but it wouldn’t be surprising for him to get the day off tomorrow.
Overworked Bullpen Watch
Before Saturday’s game, Collins said Jeurys Familia would not be available. If you have a friend who still believes in saves as a meaningful stat, ask them what they think of Familia’s line from Friday: 1 out, 2 hits, 1 walk, 1 earned run, save. I’m not as worried about his velocity as others. Familia’s velocity was lowest in April last year, according to Brooks Baseball. Pitch F/X measurements had Familia’s sinker at the same velocity on Friday as earlier this season. Addison Reed was also given the day off.
After the Mets pulled to within two runs, Collins used Jim Henderson for the eighth inning. Henderson hasn’t been the same since he threw 34 pitches on Tuesday. His velocity dropped from 95.6 mph to 90.6 on Wednesday, and it only went back to 93.3 on Saturday. Collins may have to turn to Montero more to keep the bullpen from getting burned out.
Thoughts are With the deGrom Family
Jacob deGrom was placed on baseball’s family emergency list due to complications with his baby. Collins said this is why deGrom will not pitch on Tuesday. deGrom can be away for 3-7 days and the team is allowed to fill the roster spot during that time. Thankfully baseball has rules that let players be with their families in this difficult situation.
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