Mets announce World Series rotation: Matt Harvey starts Game 1

Mets manager Terry Collins announced his starting rotation for the World Series on Saturday, and it will be Matt Harvey who takes the ball against the Royals in Game 1 at Kansas City on Tuesday.

The announcement is notable, as the Mets sweep of the Chicago Cubs allowed Collins to set up his rotation as he saw fit for the Fall Classic. It was fair to wonder if he'd go back to Jacob deGrom, who started Games 1 and 5 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, or roll with Harvey again after he dominated the Cubs in NLCS Game 1.

Harvey was the call, and that's probably based on a couple factors. First and foremost, his NLCS outing is difficult to overlook. That was as good as Harvey has looked all season, as he allowed just two runs over 7 2/3 innings. He's also fresh after making just one start in each of the first two rounds.

It's a scenario that's almost too good to be true, especially considering all the drama that surrounded Harvey's worklord down the stretch. When it matters most, it sounds like they'll get the maximum from Harvey. That includes a guaranteed Game 5 start and potential relief work should the series go the distance.

 

	Adam Rubin @AdamRubinESPN
TC to Matt Harvey on Game 1: "You ready for it?" Harvey: "Damn right" And on working Game 7 in relief: "I'll be ready." 1:10 PM - 24 Oct 2015

Here's how the rest of the rotation shakes out.

 

 

	Anthony DiComo @AnthonyDiComo
#Mets full World Series rotation: Game 1: Matt Harvey Game 2: Jacob deGrom Game 3: Noah Syndergaard Game 4: Steven Matz 12:51 PM - 24 Oct 2015

After the Harvey news was confirmed, there are no surprises there. Though deGrom has had shaky innings early in his last two starts, he's still been the Mets best starter the entire season. The Mets have full confidence in Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz as well, which is why Collins indicated he'll stick to this rotation regardless of the circumstances.

 

	Adam Rubin @AdamRubinESPN
No short rest for Mets pitchers in postseason. It's Game 7 for Noah Syndergaard it goes the distance. 12:52 PM - 24 Oct 2015

Given the talent involved, the Mets should have no regrets. The Mets young four have gone 6-2 with a 2.65 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 54 1/3 innings this postseason, which is straight up dominant. It won't be easy against the Royals relentless offense, but if any team can neutralize their offensive strengths, it's these Mets starters.