Just Mets

Matt Harvey is already a remarkable comeback story, and the games haven’t even counted yet.

On Thursday, Harvey capped an incredible journey from the depths of a torn ulnar collateral ligament 18 months ago with four more scoreless Grapefruit League innings.

“I’m ready to go. I think all the work has been put in. It’s time to just let all that loose,” Harvey said after Thursday’s appearance, according to Matt Ehalt of the Bergen Record.

Harvey’s final spring ERA was 1.19. He allowed 17 hits struck out 21 batters while issuing only one walk in 22 2/3 innings.

And now, it all counts. How much better can he be?

The most impressive thing about Harvey is his command is absolutely lights out. Yes, the stuff is filthy, especially his slider and his tailing fastball, but he’s in complete control out there, is quick and efficient, and has flat out dominated in all but one of his appearances in camp.

I don’t think anyone expected the command would come so quickly, but Sandy Alderson said yesterday during the telecast the extra time off Harvey’s had since his surgery has unquestionably benefitted him in the recovery process.

With that said, it’s hard not to be excited for what lies ahead for the Mets star right-hander.

After Thursday’s game, Terry Collins said he expected Harvey’s pitch limit to be around 90 during his first start, and Dan Warthen said he will not go beyond 100 pitches, according to Marc Carig of Newsday.

Harvey will make his 2015 debut in the team’s series finale against the Nationals next Thursday, April 9 at 1:05 PM.

You can watch highlights from Harvey’s final spring outing here: