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Kansas City Royals: Matt Harvey has a shot at redemption

By Leigh Oleszczak

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Matt Harvey #33 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches during the second inning in the home opener against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 04, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Matt Harvey #33 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches during the second inning in the home opener against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 04, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The Kansas City Royals called up Matt Harvey to join their rotation. Here’s Harvey’s chance to prove he’s still got it.

Kansas City Royals fans know the name Matt Harvey because he was the ace of the New York Mets in the 2015 World Series. He gave up the inside the park home run to Alcides Escobar and also insisted that he be put back into the game in Game 5 and then – Well, we all know the rest.

What the casual Royals/baseball fan might not know is that Harvey was once a prized prospect in New York. The Mets took him in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft and after battling injuries, he was finally able to turn things around and become that pitcher that we saw in 2015.

Since that tremendous 2015 season, Harvey has yet to come close to replicating that success. That’s led to him pitching for the Reds, Angels, and now the Royals during that time, as he was called up on Tuesday.

Matt Harvey will be the fifth starter for the Kansas City Royals.

On Monday, I speculated about who would be the replacement for Jakob Junis since he landed on the injured list and Harvey was one that I kicked around. He hasn’t been good since 2015, but his experience in the league could be good for this young team. There also won’t be any sort of pressure on him whatsoever, so he can go out there and just pitch.

Harvey started 12 games for the Angels last year, throwing 59.2 innings during that time, and did not fare well. He finished the season with an ERA of 7.09 while posting a WHIP of 1.54. He struck out 39 batters and walked 29 and the walks were obviously an issue for Harvey.

The worst thing that happens here is that Harvey pitches poorly and the Royals know he’s not a solution for their rotation. The best thing that could happen is that he can pitch like he did five years ago and become a great option for them this year.

While this isn’t necessarily Harvey’s last shot, it’s likely one of his last opportunities to show what he can do. If he can find his command, limit the walks, and get back to striking out batters, then signing with the Royals will be a career changing move for Harvey.

If not, well – the Royals can always use an opener instead. But for now, let’s be optimistic and see what Matt Harvey can bring to the table.

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