Harvey a workout no-show
Right-hander apologizes, says ‘there’s no excuse.’
Star pitcher Matt Harvey missed a mandatory Mets workout Tuesday at Citi Field and apologized to the team for arriving late. Harvey did not give a reason for his absence when he spoke to reporters about 15 minutes after practice ended. He did not take questions, either.
“I just screwed up,” Harvey said.
Manager Terry Collins said Harvey called and said he got stuck in traffic. Later, Collins told Newsday and the New York Post that when Harvey showed up, he said he had lost track of time.
New York opens its NL playoff series against the Dodgers on Friday night in Los Angeles. Collins told reporters Harvey will be fined but remains scheduled to start Game 3 at Citi Field on Monday.
“Obviously, today was not the greatest. I know we had a mandatory workout. And the last thing I ever want to do is not be here for my team,” Harvey said. “Basically, there’s no excuse. I screwed up. I wasn’t here. I showed up a little late.”
In other news, rookie left-hander Steven Matz had a successful bullpen session and is headed to Florida to pitch a simulated game Thursday in the instructional league.
Matz (4-0) has been out since late September because of a balky back. If healthy, he could start Game 4. Or, he might be a bullpen option.
A decision on Matz might not be announced until Friday, when rosters are due.
Yankees: Jacoby Ellsbury, signed to a $153 million contract less than two years ago, was left out of the lineup for Tuesday night’s AL wildcard game against Houston. With left-hander Dallas Keuchel starting for the Astros, Yankees manager Joe Girardi had right-handed-hitting Chris Young in the lineup, and Brett Gardner took Ellsbury’s spot in center field and atop the order.
Royals: Hard-throwing youngster Yordano Ventura will start in Game 1 of the AL Division Series, regardless of whether Kansas City plays the Yankees or Astros on Thursday night. Royals manager Ned Yost said Johnny Cueto will pitch the second game, and Edinson Volquez will start Game 3.
Marlins: Dan Jennings will return to his former job as general manager after a 124-game stint as manager. While the team looks for a new manager, it also said the outfield wall will be lowered and perhaps moved closer to home plate for next season. In addition, Ichiro Suzuki signed a $2 million, one-year contract to remain with Miami.
Indians: The team promoted general manager Chris Antonetti to president of baseball operations, Mike Chernoff from assistant to GM and Derek Falvey to assistant GM. Antonetti will remain the primary baseball decision maker.
Orioles: Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, 78, is auctioning off more than 200 items — including World Series rings from 1966 and 1970, 16 Gold Gloves and his 1964 MVP Trophy — to raise money for charity.
Angels: New general manager Billy Eppler confirmed that Mike Scioscia, the longest-serving manager in baseball, will return for his 17th season.