Matt Harvey is ready to take the mound for tonight’s Game 1 of the World Series, he told reporters Monday at Kaufmann Stadium.
Despite all the talk during the regular season about dead arms, pitch counts and innings limits, Harvey said he feels healthy and strong going from zero innings in 2014 to having now thrown 202 innings in 2015, which is the most for him during any professional season.
According to Terry Collins, Harvey will start Game 1 and, if necessary, Game 5. He will also available in the bullpen during a possible Game 7.
“I think the best thing and the most positive thing is how I feel after the 200-inning mark, and quite honestly, it’s probably better than I did at the 100 mark,” said Harvey, who last pitched nine days ago, when he gave up two runs and struck out nine batters in 7 2/3 innings.
The Royals are among the best teams in baseball when hitting fastballs 95 mph or higher, so Harvey said he’s prepared to mix up his repertoire and use more off-speed pitches.
“I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned, especially this year, is pitching and mixing different pitches and different locations, whereas before I’ve gotten away with just blowing it out, throwing 97, 98,” Harvey said. “I really had to learn how to pitch a little bit more and kind of go out there and be a little more crafty than normal.”
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