Matt Harvey

Matt Harvey turned in a very effective five innings Tuesday night. More efficient than spectacular, he kept the Phillies off the board -- while his opponent Ben Lively quieted the Mets bats. But it was a good and important first step for 2018. After his career was derailed by injuries, Harvey returned to health last season, but not top form. Beginning his "walk" year, this is put-up-or-shut-up time for the Connecticut native once hyped as The Dark Knight. The gimmicky nickname has been set aside for now. And his role is different. Harvey doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting -- co-aces Noah Syndergaard and Jacob de Grom form a brilliant tandem at the top of the rotation.
If the Mets get more nights like Tuesday from Harvey, they'll take a big step toward contending -- and Harvey can then think about where he might land as a 2019 free agent.
(This image of Harvey is from the Mets/Yankees exhibition game on March 10th.)

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