For the first time since 2006, the New York Mets will play postseason baseball, and with their high-octane offense and vaunted pitching staff, they could be primed for a deep October run. Just a few weeks ago, nobody seemed to know for certain if Matt Harvey would be available, but that situation has been resolved.
Not only will Harvey take the mound for the Mets in the NLDS (and possibly beyond), but according to Terry Collins, he'll be allowed to go deep into games.
TC says Harvey won't have in game restrictions in playoffs. But doesn't say exactly how often he'll be allowed to pitch.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) September 29, 2015
Harvey hasn't thrown more than 100 pitches in his last three starts (74, 77, 97, respectively), but that will no longer be an issue once the playoffs begin. However Collins stopped short of saying Harvey wouldn't be under any restrictions.
Aside from saying Harvey can't start six times in postseason, he didn't commit to precisely how often he can take the ball.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) September 29, 2015
It's impossible to speculate on exactly how many starts Harvey has left, but he clearly won't be allowed to shoulder a workload like Madison Bumgarner had during the 2014 playoffs (52.2 innings). Fortunately for the Mets, they also have Jacob deGrom, and Noah Syndergaard, who along with Harvey, form perhaps the best trio of pitchers in baseball. Steven Matz is also expected to pitch in the playoffs, however his next start is up in the air.
Alderson says there's "a little issue" with how Matz slept last night. Doesn't think it's major. Could be pushed back a day.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) September 29, 2015
This doesn't appear to be related to his slightly torn lat muscle that forced him to the DL earlier this year, and is not considered serious at the moment. If the prognosis were to change, and Matz was unable to pitch again, Bartolo Colon would likely take his place in the rotation.