New York Mets: 4 pitchers that need to step up with Jeurys Familia sidelined

Apr 29, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) throws to the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jeurys Familia (27) throws to the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Mets: 4 pitchers that need to step up with Jeurys Familia sidelined
May 12, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey (33) sits in the dugout after giving up three runs in the sixth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Harvey

One way to overcome a loss in the bullpen is for the starting rotation to improve. If the starting pitcher can give the team some more length, it will be less taxing on the bullpen. One player, the Mets need to step up to help take pressure off the bullpen is Harvey.

Harvey has not been good recently for the Mets on and off the field. Harvey failed to show up to a game almost two weeks ago, resulting in a three-game suspension. He has not been the same since the Mets moved him up a day when Syndergaard was first experiencing pain in his biceps.

In his last three starts, Harvey has been teed off on. In 14.2 innings in those three starts, Harvey has given up 17 runs with only nine strikeouts. The Mets have lost all three of those starts, and five Harvey starts in a row. On the season Harvey has an ERA of 5.63 and 1.43 WHIP. He has a negative WAR thus far, as he is bringing nothing to the table for the Mets.

If the Mets are going to get things back on track Harvey needs to step up. His performance improving would be great for a Mets team that is without its ace and closer. Harvey has shown that he has the capability of being an ace previously. Can he regain that form, or anything close, to help the Mets overcome their losses?