GOOD KNIGHT
Harvey looking like old self three starts into comeback from shoulder surgery
MIAMI — Matt Harvey knows he will have it when he needs it. His velocity, which everyone thought was gone this spring, is coming back slower than he would like, but it is coming. Sunday, Harvey reached back and found 96 miles per hour on his fastball when he had to, but was also happy to be able to get outs working at a lower speed and just painting the corners.
In his first start against a dangerous lineup, Harvey held the Marlins to two runs, one earned, on seven hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out five in a 4-2 loss.
“It’s in there and I think going back to spring training I knew throwing between starts it was slowly creeping back,” Harvey said. “I think today was a kind of a good test for me with that lineup and being able to paint the outside corner and kind of control both sides of the plate was big.
“And when I needed to ramp up and throw a little bit harder I was able to do that so that’s definitely a good positive for me.”
Coming off July surgery to address the circulation issues stemming from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Harvey took his first no-decision of the season. He is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in three starts.
D’ARNAUD DINGED
Catcher Travis d’Arnaud anchored two spectacular defensive plays Sunday, making strong stands and tagging out players at the plate. His second, getting a tremendous relay throw from Asdrubal Cabrera and then legally blocking and tagging Marcell Ozuna, stopped the Marlins from scoring the game-winning run on Miguel Rojas’ double. (Miami would do it a play later on JT Riddle’s home run) Despite all the action he saw behind the plate Sunday, it was a simple foul ball that had the Mets worried. Ichiro Suzuki’s foul tip caromed right off d’Arnaud’s facemask, sending him to his knees.
“It just stung me,” d’Arnaud said. “I’ve had that happen enough, I knew it hurt, but it wasn’t too bad.”
D’Arnaud has lost significant time to injuries throughout his career and that includes several concussions. He was on the disabled list in 2014 with a concussion.
With his bat heating up this season — he went 8-for-21 with two home runs on this road trip — Terry Collins was worried when he saw d’Arnaud take the ball off his face.
“Especially when I walked out there and his eyes were closed, but he said he'll be OK,” Collins said. “It was the first one he really got this year that stung a little bit. Hopefully nothing comes of it. I was really worried about it.”
FAMILIA FINAL TUNE-UP
Jeurys Familia headed north Sunday and will pitch Monday in Binghamton, his second and final minor league game to prepare for his return from suspension. The Mets closer began the season on the restricted list to serve a 15-game suspension under MLB’s joint domestic violence policy.
Familia’s suspension ends after Wednesday’s Mets game and he is eligible to return to the clubhouse and play for the first time on Thursday. After having to tax his bullpen in Familia’s absence to get through the first two weeks of the season, Collins can start to think about getting his closer back.
“He’s a huge piece of our team,” the Mets manager said. “This guy was arguably one of the best closers in baseball last year. To know he’s a few days from returning is something nice to look forward to. We still got four more games to get through before he gets here though.”
Familia made his first appearance in a minor league game Saturday night, throwing eight pitches in a 1-2-3 inning for Class-A St. Lucie. The Mets manager said the reports were that Familia threw well and his velocity was in the 96-97 mile an hour range.
Still, Collins said he and pitching coach Dan Warthen are debating how to use him when he gets back.
“Dan and I have talked about the possibility of giving him an outing or two not pitching in the ninth inning,” Collins said. “Just letting him get back out there and getting a feel for it.”
Familia was arrested and charged with assault after an Oct. 31 incident involving his wife at their New Jersey home. His wife called 911 and the police report cited scratches on her chest and a bruise on her cheek, but the legal case against him was dismissed at her request.
The 27-year-old saved 51 games last season, becoming the first Dominican-born closer to reach the 50-save plateau.