New York Mets prospect Matt Harvey on Monday night may have pitched his final game in the minor leagues.
↵With Dillon Gee sidelined with what could be season-ending surgery to fix artery damage in his right shoulder, the Mets have an opening in their rotation with no clear alternative to take his place.
↵That's why Harvey's start against Toledo drew so much attention as even the Mets' brass was in attendance. The right-hander threw 6 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on three hits, four walks a hit batter and a wild pitch while striking out four. He received a no-decision. If the organization deems him ready, Harvey will pitch Saturday afternoon at Citi Field against the Dodgers.
↵Harvey's line may not look too exciting, but he did take a no-hitter into the sixth inning before he gave up two straight singles. Beyond his two scoreless innings Wednesday in the Triple-A All-Star Game, Harvey had not pitched in 12 days.
↵Entering this game, the 23-year-old, who has spent the entire year in AAA, had a 3.39 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 102 strikeouts and 7-4 record. The knock on him has been his command and development of his secondary pitches -- most notably his changeup -- but scouts and Triple-A manager Wally Backman have spoken recently about their continued improvement.
↵His next step may be a promotion -- whether he's truly ready or not -- because he gives the Mets the best chance to win, over other candidates like Miguel Batista and Jeremy Hefner.