Dodgers: Matt Harvey Should Be Off the Dodgers’ Radar

The Dodgers may and very well should be looking for options to upgrade their bullpen and bolster their starting rotation depth but Matt Harvey should not be an option for the Dodgers.

The Mets designated Matt Harvey for assignment on Friday after he refused to accept a minor league demotion.  The move signals the likely end with the Mets for a pitcher who once seemed to be destined for an illustrious career.  It seemed like it was yesterday when he was seen as an intricate part of the Mets’ three-headed monster of Degrom, Syndergaard, and Harvey.

While there is always a chance that Harvey could revert to form with a change of scenery, he should not be on the Dodgers’ radar.  For one, Scott Boras has already indicated that Harvey is not an option for another teams bullpen.  Any hopes of Harvey being the next Brandon Morrow for the Dodgers are just a pipe dream.

Matt Harvey is just a big name at this point, but there is not much substance to his game anymore.  His velocity is down, command has worsened, and he has given up an average of ten hits per nine innings over the last three seasons.  Unless there is a hidden injury that is holding Harvey back, his career appears cooked.  His off the field antics are not helping his case either as he’s been a problem for Mets management.

More from LA Dodgers News

• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers
• Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
• Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be
• Recapping who Dodgers gained and lost in Rule 5 Draft

While the Dodgers have lost Hyun-Jin Ryu until after the all-star break, the Dodgers have better in-house candidates to stick in their rotation.  Matt Harvey has not been good for a very long time.  The last successful season that Matt Harvey had was back in 2015 when he posted a 2.71 ERA and won thirteen games for the Mets.  Since then Harvey has posted ERA’s of 4.86, 6.70, and 7.00.  It’s clear that Harvey is getting worse as the seasons go on.

The Dodgers have some solid internal options for their rotation if Walker Buehler is going to be limited by innings.  Brock Stewart has always had good stuff and shown flashes of brilliance at times.  He is getting too old to be considered a prospect, so this would be the ideal time to give him a longer look in the big league rotation.  The Dodgers also have Ross Stripling, although he appears to be too valuable in the bullpen to move to the rotation.  The Dodgers should stick with Walker Buehler, he has too good of stuff and has a chance to be this year’s Cody Bellinger type impact rookie.

Next: Is it time to worry about Clayton Kershaw?

Then there is always the chance that the Dodgers could add a starter later this season if need be.  Julio Urias should be back before the trade deadline so the Dodgers can stick with a combo of Buehler, Stewart, and Stripling for the immediate future.  It’s time the Dodgers trust their own younger players rather than reaching out for a mediocre outside option.  Matt Harvey may be a big name, but the Dodgers should avoid him and stick with their internal relief and starting candidates.