New York Mets

Mets' Harvey dodges playoff questions, says doc gave him limit

Published Sep. 5, 2015 5:34 p.m. ET

foxsports

Mets ace Matt Harvey isn't saying whether he intends to pitch in the playoffs if New York makes it that far.

Harvey said Saturday that his surgeon, noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, has advised him not to exceed 180 innings this year. Harvey has thrown 166 1/3 so far.

Asked repeatedly whether he would top that limit if that's what the Mets wanted, Harvey didn't directly answer.

"Right now, I'm focused on Tuesday," he said.

That's when Harvey is next scheduled to start at Washington. The NL East-leading Mets began the day with a five-game lead over the Nationals.

Harvey said he has "no idea" if the 180-inning limit includes possible starts in the postseason.

"I'm the type of person that I never want to put the ball down," he said. "I hired Scott (Boras), my agent, and went with Dr. Andrews as my surgeon because I trusted them to keep my career going and keep me healthy."

The 26-year-old Harvey is 12-7 with a 2.60 ERA in 25 starts, a year after missing the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Harvey was dehydrated after his most recent start, a win on Wednesday over the Phillies.

"I'm healthy," he said before the Mets played at Miami.

The Mets have tried to get Harvey extra rest this season and have pulled him early from games. Other teams have done the same with their young pitchers, especially those coming back from injuries.

Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said Friday that Harvey is expected to make four more regular-season starts in addition to a "reasonable workload" during any playoffs run.

Harvey said he has tried to remain above the fray, but said there is a difference of opinion between the Mets and his team of Boras and Andrews.

"I've stayed out of it (other than) listening to their opinion and where their mindset is at," Harvey said. "I've heard both sides. I've heard different things all along."

Harvey said he talked to Andrews within the past two weeks but has not recently spoken to Mets general manager Sandy Alderson.

Harvey acknowledged it was uncomfortable being caught in the middle.

The discussion of an 180-inning cap is not new, he said.

"It's something that's been discussed for a while," Harvey said. "From having (pitched) 178 the year before I took off, I think the whole idea was not to exceed too much more than that."

Matt Harvey reacts to agent Scott Boras' suggestion that he ought to be shut down at 180 innings, and whether he will pitch in the postseason.
Posted by Adam Rubin on Saturday, September 5, 2015