ZACK TO THE FUTURE Harvey on track for Subway start
PORT ST. LUCIE — Sure, it’s just spring training, but how’s this for your first preview of this year’s Subway Series: Matt Harvey pitching against the Yankees. That’s how the Met rotation projects heading into the Yanks’ visit to Tradition Field on Sunday. Following Wednesday’s off-day, Dillon Gee and Jon Niese are pitching splitsquad games Thursday, while Bartolo Colon is slated to go Friday and Noah Syndergaard is set for Saturday.
Harvey, who has looked sharp in his comeback from Tommy John surgery, grew up in Connecticut rooting for the Yankees. He had a memorable start against them on May 28, 2013 at Citi Field, allowing one run in eight innings and striking out 10. He got a no-decision in a 2-1 Mets victory.
Harvey, who has a 2.08 ERA in his first three spring starts, threw four shutout innings against most of the Red Sox varsity on Monday.
DEGROM FEELS DEGREAT
Jacob deGrom allowed one hit, no walks and no runs in five sharp innings during the Mets’ 6-4 victory over the Marlins on Tuesday. DeGrom, who struck out six, was so good he paused when he was asked what he might have done wrong: “Couple fastballs with two strikes the guy hit hard to right field. Other than that, I was pretty happy.”
DeGrom has a 2.45 ERA in 11 spring innings. He said he was trying to work on his elevated fastball and got most of his strikeouts on it, including one that ex-Met Jordany Valdespin chased.
WRIGHT HEADS HOME
David Wright missed his third straight game because he went home to Norfolk, Va., because of what Sandy Alderson called “a family matter.” Wright was slated to return to camp at some point Tuesday and work out on a back field. . . . Josh Edgin was scheduled to have his Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, Alderson said. . . . Vic Black (shoulder) was scheduled to play catch Tuesday. He said he feels better and could throw off a mound by Friday or Saturday.