UNC in MLB: Matt Harvey isn’t happy about move to bullpen
By Zack Pearson
Former UNC pitcher Matt Harvey is not happy about a recent move to the bullpen
Matt Harvey’s career has taken a turn in the wrong direction.
The former New York Mets ace is currently unhappy and if this latest move is any indication of his future, his time in the Big Apple is running out.
The Mets decided to make a move this week by sending Harvey to the bullpen, rather than keep him in the rotation. Manager Mickey Callaway decided to make the move after Harvey allowed 14 runs in a stretch of 16 innings.
He was replaced by Jason Vargas in the rotation and it’s safe to say Harvey wasn’t happy about the move.
Harvey made his first relief appearance on Tuesday, entering the game in the top of the fifth. He threw 35 pitches over two innings with only 20 of those pitches as strikes. His outing included giving up back-to-back doubles which led to a run.
Following the game, Harvey didn’t want to talk about the move to the bullpen and shunned the media. On Wednesday as reporters approached Harvey, he shunned them once again.
Matt Harvey laughed audibly when approached by reporters today seeking comment about his bullpen debut. "No chance. Zero chance," he said.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 25, 2018
Harvey was asked why. "I have nothing to say to you guys," he said.
He was asked why not. "I dont [expletive] want to," Harvey replied.
Harvey is set to be a free agent after this season and his time in New York appears to be over.
The Mets now have a big decision to make in the coming weeks. Do they keep Harvey in the bullpen and have him remain unhappy? Or do they eventually move him back in the rotation?
A trade at the MLB trade deadline is also a possibility. With just this season left on his contract, the Mets can get something in return for Harvey who would likely start on other teams. If he continues to be unhappy in the bullpen, he could force a trade.
Either way it’s not a good look for Harvey, who was once considered one of the faces of the franchise.
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And it’s safe to say he will be pitching somewhere else sooner than later.