Something's wrong with Matt Harvey and the New York Mets aren't saying what it is. They are, however, admitting that his opening-day start could be in jeopardy.
How's that for potentially ominous news about the staff ace?
Since Harvey's specific ailment is unknown, let's take a look at the things we do know. First, Harvey missed Monday's road trip to Jupiter, Fla., because of what was called a "non-orthopedic doctor's appointment" and on its own, that wasn't cause for a terrible amount of concern among Mets fans, since the first worry with any pitcher — especially one who had Tommy John surgery in the past couple years like Harvey did — is arm trouble.
But then, later on Monday, the Mets said Harvey wouldn't pitch in his final spring training start on Tuesday. Then they gave the ol' shrug emoticon to Harvey's scheduled start Sunday, a World Series rematch against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday Night Baseball. Mets manager Terry Collins called Harvey's problem a "mystery" and the sentiment around Mets camp is that Harvey's first start is in question.
Again, there's a lot we don't know, but there are thing we do know. The most important of which seems to be that Collins says that Harvey's arm is fine. Like three times.
 | @TimRohan | |
Terry Collins on Harvey: "“His arm is fine! His arm is fine! O.K.? His arm is fine.”
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Whatever is ailing Harvey, Marc Carig of Newsday relays that it's something new.
 | @MarcCarig | |
TC says issue with Harvey is new, not something that has flared up. Says Harvey could pitch OD even without another spring start.
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And Sandy Alderson, the Mets GM, doesn't want people to jump to conclusions.
 | @AnthonyDiComo | |
Sandy Alderson: "If [Harvey] had to have a wisdom tooth pulled, he wouldn’t pitch tomorrow. So let’s not jump to conclusions here.” #Mets
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Jump to conclusions? No people on the Internet would never do that. And certainly not Mets fans, who have a history of being level-headed and not approaching every hiccup in the span of a baseball season like it's time to dive into a doomsday bunker.
That last part? That was all sarcasm, in case it wasn't clear.
Considering Harvey's up-and-down history the past few years, from the arm injury to the innings-limit debate, people will assume the worst until the Mets tell them otherwise. And while Mets fans should feel somewhat better that this sincerely sounds like it's not an arm problem, that's not going to fully extinguish the freak-out.
Because, frankly, that's what baseball fans do this time of year — no matter which team they're pulling for.
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