Washington Nationals: Meet Matt Harvey and the Mets
For the Washington Nationals, Opening Day at home is finally here. Here is who you should keep an eye on as the New York Mets visit.
The Washington Nationals finished their first road trip of the years at 4-2.
As rocky as they looked the last two games against the Atlanta Braves, they come home to start their schedule a half game out of first place. Not a bad start. And, really, if you knew a week ago how things would turn out, you would take it and run.
As we open Nationals Park for 2018, the New York Mets are the first to occupy the third base dugout. Improved since the end of last year, they have the best chance to give Washington a run for the National League East title.
Heading into Wednesday’s games, FanGraphs projects the Mets to win 84 games and finish within eight of the Nats. If there is a division race, then New York must make the most of their 19 games versus Washington. A win over the Philadelphia Phillies gives the Amazin’s a 4-1 record.
With the backdrop of a true rivalry, along with the pomp and circumstance of Opening Day, these two old friends renew acquaintances again. Last year, Washington won the season series 13-6.
If you have tickets to Opening Day, try to get there by noon for the full Opening Ceremony.
Remember, Friday is a scheduled off day in case bad weather hits Thursday. But, although Thursday looks fine, Saturday is a possible mess with snow and cold. Watch the weather and the schedule to see if Saturday’s game is moved or postponed.
Now you have your jacket packed, here are your players to watch this weekend.
TREA TURNER
The work Trea Turner is doing with the coaching staff shows in spades.
Whether Dave Martinez and Kevin Long have him hitting second or sixth, the growth in Turner’s game is tangible. Over six games, he has six walks. Alone, that is huge. Yes, there are four strikeouts mixed in, but his ability to recognize and lay off pitches gives his game a new element.
Eventually, Turner will lead off. Whether it is this year or next, his mix of power, speed and run scoring will land him the job. He has three steals on the ledger now and an on-base percentage of .414 over 2017s .338.
The move to hit him lower in the lineup by Martinez took the pressure off the shortstop. Turner pressed last year and struggled before having his wrist shattered by a pitch. From his approach to his new ability to recognize and wait for the right pitch, the change is a smashing success.
Without Noah Syndergaard missing the series for New York—he pitched Wednesday—Turner will see a variety of pitchers who he should have success with.
The Mets have Turner’s number. In 22 career games, his slash line in .220/.253/.330 with eight stolen bases.
MATT HARVEY
Any chance the Mets have making noise this fall depends on Matt Harvey.
Harvey’s debut Tuesday against the Phillies was encouraging for New York fans. After two years of painful starts, he kept Philadelphia in check for five innings. In scattering a hit and walk with five strikeouts, the “Dark Knight” gave signs of his return to Broadway via Queens.
His bigger test comes Sunday night. With a tougher lineup, Washington promises to challenge where Harvey stands in his comeback. Although the Mets are not expecting a return to his 2015 pennant-winning performance, an ERA around 3.25 with 30 starts this year would draw champagne corks.
Under the harsh spotlight of ESPN, it is important for Washington to grind out at-bats and make Harvey work. Brooks Baseball had his fastball topping out at 94 against the Phillies with a slider and change as his backup pitches. In modern terms that is slow.
The Phillies put balls in the air against him. A good sign for the Nats. Another point, it will be cold. No one is comfortable pitching in the low-40s. For Harvey, gripping the ball and getting movement on a night better suited for October is tough.
When not pitching against the Nats, root for him. Injuries cut down a promising career, and that is a shame.
MATCHUP TIME
Stephen Strasburg and Jacob deGrom faceoff in the opener. In this battle of the second banana’s, expect Strasburg to come out on top. He loves pitching at home and has the honor of pitching the home opener. A loud crowd will behind him early.
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deGrom is not chopped liver either. He struck out seven over 5.2 inning scattering a run and walk versus St. Louis. You know both guys will fire strikes.
Saturday, if the weather allows, Gio Gonzalez and Steven Matz hook up at 1 PM. Matz struggled with injuries this spring and lost to the Cardinals last Sunday. His durability is a constant worry for the Mets. The good news for New York is the off-day Friday. Their bullpen figures to be fresh. Sunday is another story.
After a few rocky outings in Florida, Gonzalez dazzled Easter Sunday in Cincinnati. He scattered a run on five hits and a walk over six innings while fanning seven. He kept his emotions in check and started the year on a positive note. With Matt Wieters on the disabled list, you wonder who will catch Gonzalez.
Miguel Montero did last week with success.
Tanner Roark ditched the abbreviated wind-up he experimented with in Florida and pitched well Monday in Atlanta. He is projected to face Harvey Sunday night. Roark held the Braves to four hits over seven innings.
deGrom is the toughest starter Washington faces, but Harvey is improving. No breaks for New York as the Nats starters pitched well their first time out.