LAKELAND, Fla. — Before Monday’s spring training game against the Detroit Tigers, the Mets gave starter Matt Harvey two goals: Maintain a consistent delivery and show improved command. The team understands that Harvey’s velocity may take time to return, but they wanted to see progress from him in other key areas.
In the Mets’ 5-1 loss, Harvey gave up three runs on seven hits over four and a third innings, while striking out four. He threw 74 pitches. His fastball hovered around 93 miles per hour and reached 95 and 96 a few times. In all, his outing contained small, but encouraging, signs that his arm’s potency had not been sapped by his operation in July for thoracic outlet syndrome.