New York Mets

Matt Harvey could pitch Game 1 for Mets in lieu of deGrom

Published Oct. 23, 2015 8:16 p.m. ET

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While Jacob deGrom was originally expected to start Game 1 of the World Series, it appears as though Matt Harvey will now open the Fall Classic for the New York Mets.

Although deGrom has excelled this postseason, the Mets are concerned about his late-season fatigue, which was evident in his last two starts despite favorable outcomes.

"The one thing we're looking at with Jake is the last couple times out he looks like he could use some time," manager Terry Collins said Friday. "He's been erratic with his fatigue.

"It could be anybody. Is it going to benefit us to start him and use him three times? Look, you gotta put them in situations where they're going to have more success. I'm not sure where we're going to go just yet, but I like our rotation no matter who's out there."

deGrom has picked up three wins in as many starts this postseason, racking up a 1.80 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched.

Harvey, considered the Mets' next best option to start Game 1 behind deGrom, has also won both of his starts this postseason despite a shaky effort against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS.

The 26-year-old right-hander has held a 2.84 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings.

When asked if Harvey, who has had more rest than deGrom this season due to usage limitations during the regular season, could pitch up to three games in the World Series, Collins replied, "There's a possibility."

Regardless of who takes the mound for the Mets in Game 1 on Tuesday (airing at 8 p.m. on FOX), Collins is confident in his pitching staff, particularly with the extra rest they'll receive after sweeping the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS.

"These guys are going to be really good and this experience is going to make them that much better," Collins said. "The extra rest we're gonna get right now I think is going to benefit us more than it's gonna hurt us. That's who we're going to ride. I don't care who we play, you gotta like our pitching.

"I like our pitching. … You name it, we've pitched good. These guys are good. I have a lot of confidence in them."

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