The Bisons have been shut out the last two days by Charlotte -- getting just two hits in each game -- and they're back at it today. The lineup is a little better, with Fred Lewis returning to DH while nursing elbow trouble, Josh Rodriguez back at shortstop and Valentino Pascucci in right field.
What's still percolating in my mind, however, is the Matt Harvey situation. Mets manager Terry Collins said this morning he's made no decision about Thursday night's start in Arizona. It won't be Miguel Batista, who was designated for assignment today (the Mets would like him to clear waivers and report to Buffalo).
There's chatter it could be Collin McHugh, which I think is ridiculous. He's 1-3, 4.54 in Triple-A. He's got a great Twitter account and writes a thought-provoking blog. Fine. Harvey has thrown 110 innings here, won seven games, struck out more than 100 and was an all-star.
Bottom line: It should be Harvey, even though he got shelled here Saturday. Roll the dice and see what happens. He can't be any worse than Batista was.
The Mets blew it when they didn't take Harvey after the Triple-A All-Star Game, when he threw two strong innings in front of a full house and was named IL MVP. Now he's back playing the mental game with himself. You don't do that to young prospects, especially No. 1 picks.
Either make a trade in the next three days and tell Harvey to keep working and see us in September, or call him up and throw him out there Thursday.
Onward. Here's today's lineup:
Fred Lewis, dh
Josh Rodriguez, ss
Adam Loewen, 1b
Zach Lutz, 3b
Josh Satin, 2b
Valentino Pascucci, rf
Matt Tuiasosopo, lf
Matt den Dekker, cf
Lucas May, c
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Garrett Olson, p
---Mike Harrington
(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)
