Looks like Vargas is getting closer to returning. But Swarzak is gonna need more time, that one is a little concerning. They're gonna need either Wheeler or Matz, or both, to step up and be a solid third or fourth starter. It's gonna be key. One of those two needs get it done, c'mon man. At this rate Harvey's gonna be the last man on the staff and end up pitching in lopsided games as a long middle reliever.
I keep hearing talks of Harvey moving to the bullpen, but do we really want that? It's not like his struggles are determined by the amount of innings pitched.
I have no idea how much Nido and Lobaton worked with the staff in spring training but my initial impression was that switching to Lobaton suddenly may have thrown them off a little, particularly Matz. But it comes down to Eiland and the staff adjusting. Lobaton is known as a good defensive catcher but they have to get on the same page. I thought Lobaton was not aggressive enough and needs to be more forceful with all of them except maybe Jake Noah and Blevins. I understand Lobaton is relatively new but he can't be shy about being aggressive with his approach to the game. I'll be glad when Plawecki is back.
Bullpen back to their good side with six innings of one-hit ball and the Mets even the series. Remember, the game tomorrow is on channel 11.
Let's not send Wilmer anywhere anymore. Fuck is he slow But Nido threw two guys out and maybe earned some more playing time behind the plate. Looks pretty good back there. Conforto, Ces, and Bruce are struggling and combined are like hovering just over the Mendoza Line. But Ces is coming up big consistently when it matters.
It’s official, Harvey has been taken out of the starting rotation. I give MC credit, didn’t wait another month to see if they could fix him. I believe Matt can get himself back to starting rotation if he can regain velocity. I’m rooting for him to get back to where he used to be.
Looks like Vargas is close. They're better off starting Lugo than Harvey if they need a spot starter right now. There's a few guys they could bring up also. That's gotta hurt him badly. He's gonna have to wait and be ready. He'll prolly get a spot start at some point and the warmer weather will prolly help him too.
Big props to Callaway for not stretching this out. He has sent the clear signal that he is in charge, and players are going to be used in the way he thinks is best for the team, whatever their past history might be, and whoever their agent might be. The fact is that Harvey has been awful for 2+ seasons, and there's no reason to think any other team would want him at this point. Last off-season showed that agents like Boras have way less power than they used to , and if he raises a stink all he'll be doing is scaring off other teams who wouldn't want to deal with him for a marginal player like Harvey (and that's all he is right now).