Heels in MLB: Matt Harvey suspended by the New York Mets

Matt Harvey has been suspended three games. What does this mean for the former Tar Heels ace and his role with the New York Mets?

Matt Harvey has been suspended by the New York Mets.

The three-game suspension, which started on Saturday was because the right-handed pitcher violated team rules. The team declined to mention exactly what rules were violated, just that they were and the suspension was handed out.

Harvey is coming off a year that was shortened by injury and surgery. This season he has not bounced back well and currently has a 2-2 record and a 5.14 ERA.

A missed start could further push the snowball down a hill that has seen Harvey all 12 earned runs in his last 9 innings.

Of course, the opposite is also possible.

A break may be just what Harvey needs to get out of his own head and back to pitching like the World Series Ace he was before his season was cut short.

Sometimes bad things can be a blessing in disguise.

If it is, Harvey may be able to help the Mets out when currently that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Speaking of the New York Mets, they are definitely in the latter category.

Just two years removed from being in a World Series, the Mets have slowly declined.

Last season they snuck into the playoffs as one of the two wildcard squads. They didn’t make it past that round losing to the San Francisco Giants.

This season is even worse. They currently sit at 14-16, second in the NL East.

Just a week ago they were in last place but went 4-2 this past week to pull themselves up.

Any turn around by Harvey would be a blessing in disguise and help turn attention away from other things currently plaguing the club.

Nonetheless, Harvey must sit. Harvey’s next start will be Saturday, May 13th.

How he chooses to reflect during this time will have a huge impact not only on his season, but his ball club’s as well.