The 2013 MLB All-Star Game at Citi Field is fast approaching, and many are clamoring for New York Mets ace Matt Harvey, the Dark Knight of Gotham City, to toe the rubber for the National League in his home stadium.
Harvey certainly has made an excellent case for himself, going 7-2 so far with a 2.35 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 147 strikeouts in 130 innings. He has also raised his profile by appearing in ESPN's "Body" issue, in which he poses nude in athletic and risqué photos.
For a behind the scenes look at Harvey's shoot click here
The Mets are doing their part to have Harvey pitch in the All-Star Game, scratching him from his final start before the break. Manager Terry Collins said the move is intended to buy him some extra rest to keep him healthy down the stretch of the season.
"We've got to get this guy somehow deep into the summer, so we thought now would be the time to back him off," Collins said. He also said Harvey's All-Star outing would only be about an inning, so the precocious young pitcher would be able to get in a little work, but mostly rest for the next 10 days or so.
Harvey doesn't seem to have any issue with the Mets' plan of action. "I don't like not playing or being able to participate," Harvey said. "In the long run I'd rather miss a start now than miss all of September and not be able to pitch because of innings limits.
"If they felt that this was a good time to skip over some things, if this keeps me pitching all year long and to the end of September, to the end of the season, that's a decision they're going to make. In the long run I don't have a say in really what goes on."
New York fans have voiced a desire to see New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera start opposite Harvey, making for an all-New York affair in the first inning. Rivera, though wants no part of it.
What I do is close the games, I don't start the games. It's a privilege and honor, but I'm not contemplating it," Rivera said.
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