A day after CC Sabathia shocked the New York sports landscape by announcing he was checking into rehab for alcohol, Matt Harvey made an imprint of his own by no-showing the Mets' mandatory postseason workout at Citi Field.
The Mets held a workout Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m. as they get set to travel to Los Angeles and open up the NLDS against the Dodgers Friday. There was one notable absence in the proceedings, however, as Harvey wasn't in attendance and there was initially no explanation of his whereabouts.
Yoenis Cespedes Leads MLB Arms Race Among Outfielders
"Until we find out a little more about his absence, I prefer not to comment," Alderson said, per a tweet from ESPN's Adam Rubin.
Here's a breakdown of Harvey's absence per Rubin:
Alderson told reporters that as far as he knew from Mets manager Terry Collins, the workout was mandatory and the right-hander was supposed to be a part of it. Mike Francesa on WFAN said sources confirmed Harvey was stuck in traffic, though the curmudgeon radio personality said there was no traffic and accused him of simply oversleeping.
Doctor: Scott Boras Pulled Matt Harvey Innings Limit Out Of Thin Air
The Mets planned to have workouts Tuesday and Wednesday at Citi Field before flying to Los Angeles Thursday on the eve of Game 1. Harvey has had a history of controversy with the team, including a public spat between his agent Scott Boras and Alderson over an innings limit late in the season, which he didn't help diffuse.
Harvey's shady activity initially led to questions over where he was and whether he followed in Sabathia's footsteps by taking a sabbatical. Alderson said it wasn't an excused absence and Harvey eventually gave his brief statement.
The ace is set to start Game 3 of the series when it returns to Citi Field, though it remains to be seen if he'll be punished.
Jacob deGrom is penciled in for Game 1 on Friday followed by Noah Syndergaard in Game 2 the following day. Harvey was to take the ball for Game 3 on Monday when the series shifts to New York, and the Mets are hopeful Stephen Matz will be healthy enough to man the mound for Game 4. DeGrom may pitch Game 4 on short rest if needed, while Bartolo Colon is also an option.
As for where Harvey was, people had some fun on Twitter at his expense.
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.