Mets and Scott Boras at odds over Matt Harvey innings limit
The New York Mets and agent Scott Boras are at odds regarding right-handed pitcher Matt Harvey's innings limit before the team makes a push for the playoffs.
Boras believes the Mets need to shut down Harvey once he hits 180-inning mark, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.
Harvey is at 166 1/3 innings pitched through 25 starts on the year. He pitched 178 1/3 in 2013 before undergoing Tommy John surgery and missing the 2014 season.
The Mets see the 180-inning limit as a "soft" suggestion and will evaluate the 26-year-old on a case-by-case basis. General manger Sandy Alderson remains in contact with doctors who have evaluated Harvey.
“Expert opinion by medical practitioners is not a soft number,” Boras countered. “There are no soft numbers. These are medical practitioners providing opinions about when a pitcher is at risk, and when a pitcher isn't at risk.”
Dr. James Andrews, who performed Harvey's surgery, is split on the decision to cut Harvey's season short.
“I’m sort of caught in the middle of it,” Andrews toldThe New York Times. “That’s their business. They both know what I’ve said, and I don’t want to get into it. The main thing is to do what’s best for Matt’s career. He really wants to play, and they’re in the playoffs. But it’s their problem.”
The Mets sit atop the National League East division with their 74-60 record on the year following Friday night's loss to the Marlins. Harvey is slated to pitch on Tuesday against the Nationals, who trail the New York by five games in the division.
- Christopher Chavez