New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals: 5 Bold Predictions

Matt Harvey Responds To Criticism

Sep 2, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Harvey has been the center of controversy this weekend. His agent, Scott Boras, came out and said that he will adhering to the 180 inning limit that doctors have recommended for him. That would mean that Harvey, who is sitting at 166 ⅓ innings currently, is essentially at the end of the line for his season. That is something that has not been taken well by fans or former players, as Harvey has been blasted in the media all weekend.

If that inning limit is true, and Harvey will not go past it, then his start against the Nationals could very well be one of the last times we see him take the mound this season. If that is the case, he will at least give the fans something to remember, as he will pick up Niese after his poor performance in the opener and toss a strong game himself.

Harvey will come out and look like the ace that he is, holding the red-hot Nationals in check. The Mets will desperately need Harvey at his best Tuesday if Monday goes as we are predicting. They cannot afford to lose the first two games of this series, and Harvey will not let that happen.

Harvey has had a ton of success against the Nationals this season, giving up no more than two earned runs in any of his four starts against them and going at least seven innings in three of those four starts (in the other he went six). That’s right in line with his career numbers against the Nationals, as Harvey has a minuscule 0.99 ERA in eight career starts against them, giving up only six earned runs in 54 ⅔ innings.

That success will continue Tuesday night when the Mets need it most. Harvey will continue his dominance, throwing another seven strong innings and giving up only one run in a Mets victory.

Next: Can Bullpens Step Up?