Major League Baseball

Matt Harvey to get the ball for Mets on opening day

Published Mar. 17, 2016 2:19 p.m. ET

foxsports

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) The New York Mets have named their opening day starter - Matt Harvey, who will get another shot at the World Series champion Kansas City Royals.

Manager Terry Collins announced the decision Thursday for the April 3 game. He said, ''Matt's the guy, deservedly so.'' Harvey called it a ''huge honor.''

Harvey started Games 1 and 5 against the Royals in the World Series last year. The Mets lost both games in extra innings.

Harvey was the NL starter in the 2013 All-Star Game but missed all of 2014 while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He was 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA in 2015.

Harvey will be the sixth different opening day starter in the past six years for the Mets. Bartolo Colon started last year.