Matt Harvey, the former New York Mets pitcher, has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. The 32-year-old right-hander had a successful career, but injuries derailed his progress over the past few years. He last pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in 2020, finishing with a 0-3 record and a 11.57 ERA.
The Rise of Matt Harvey
Harvey was considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball when he was drafted by the Mets in 2010. He quickly rose through the minor leagues and made his Major League debut in 2012, where he earned the nickname “The Dark Knight” for his dominant pitching performances.
During the 2013 season, Harvey established himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball. He was named to the All-Star team and finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award voting. He also started the All-Star Game at Citi Field, where he pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters.
The Injuries Begin
Unfortunately, Harvey’s promising career took a turn in 2013 when he was diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2014 season.
Harvey returned to the mound in 2015 and had a successful season, helping lead the Mets to the World Series. However, he struggled in the postseason and was eventually diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, which required surgery and caused him to miss most of the 2016 season.
The Decline
After returning from surgery in 2017, Harvey struggled to regain his dominant form. He was eventually traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2018, where he continued to struggle and was eventually released.
Harvey signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2019 and showed signs of improvement, but ultimately finished the season with a 7-9 record and a 4.94 ERA.
The Final Season
Harvey signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals in 2020, but was released before the season started. He eventually signed with the Orioles, but struggled in his three starts with the team.
After the season, Harvey became a free agent and decided to retire from baseball.
The Legacy of Matt Harvey
Despite his struggles in recent years, Harvey will be remembered as one of the most dominant pitchers in Mets history. He finishes his career with a 44-52 record and a 4.14 ERA.
Harvey’s story is a reminder of the unpredictability of professional sports and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
