Baseball fans react to hurler Matt Harvey’s confidence he can still pitch in MLB after impressing with Team Italy: "I'd give him a shot"

Matt Harvey exploded on the major league scene for the New York Mets in 2012, and then he imploded by 2016.

One of the Mets' trio of starting pitchers who helped propel the team to the National League title in 2015, Harvey kept his ERA under 3.00 for the first three seasons of his career, and then couldn't keep his ERA under 4.00 until he threw his last major league pitch with the Baltimore Orioles in 2021.

The turning point was Game 5 of the 2015 World Series. Harvey had shut out the Kansas City Royals for eight innings, but instead of turning the game over to the bullpen with a 2-0 lead, he went for the complete game. He gave up two runs in the frame, and the Royals went on to win the game – and the World Series – in 14 innings.

Injuries and personal troubles followed, as Harvey was let go by the Mets in 2018. He bounced around four teams in the next four years before it all came to an end.

However, a nearly 34-year-old Matt Harvey returned to the mound for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic this month. He posted a 1.29 ERA in two WBC starts and told Jon Heyman of the New York Post:

"I’ve worked really hard on a different style of pitching. I feel good. Hopefully the stuff comes back. But I can still pitch."

The statement brought about a mix of mockery, optimism and hope that "The Dark Knight," as Harvey used to be known, could still be a usable starter for an MLB team.

Coming on the heels of the news that Mets closer Edwin Diaz is lost for the season due to a knee injury suffered while celebrating with Team Puerto Rico in the WBC, many New Yorkers put two and two together.

Matt Harvey still has plenty of fans in the New York Metropolitan area. While he might not work as the Mets' closer in 2023, most wouldn't mind their team giving him a shot.

Many other fans will not forgive Harvey for his perceived role in the death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs. He was suspended for 60 games by MLB last season after testifying that he had provided opiods for Skaggs, who died from taking oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.

Most Mets fans, however, warmed by memories of his dominance from 2012-2015, still want Harvey back.

Matt Harvey pitched in minors for Baltimore Orioles last season

Matt Harvey of the Baltimore Orioles delivers a pitch.

Matt Harvey went 6-1 for the Orioles' Triple-A team in Norfolk last season after his suspension ended, although his ERA still clocked in at 4.31. He also threw for Double-A Bowie, compiling a 2-0 record and 2.70 ERA.