ATLANTA — Matt Harvey declined comment on a Yahoo sports story that indicated he challenged Jon Rauch to a fight last year after the reliever, as part of rookie hazing, poured water on Harvey — ruining his phone — while he was napping.
“I’m not discussing that at all,” Harvey said.
A Mets player present for the alleged incident confirmed Rauch poured water on the sleeping Harvey and his phone, but said he was unaware tensions escalated to the point that Harvey wanted to fight.
Rauch, 34, a free agent last year, landed with the Marlins this season was later released and signed a minor league deal with the Orioles.
The report said the 6-foot-11 Rauch backed down when challenged by the 6-4 Harvey.
Eric Young Jr. only can hope he lasts longer than Rick Ankiel, Collin Cowgill and all other comers who have attempted to claim the center-field job for the Mets this season.
Wednesday night, Young, 28, became the seventh different player to start in center for the Mets in 2013. He finished 1-for-4 in the Mets’ 5-3 loss to the Braves.
“As a player all you can really ask for is a chance to play and go out there and not worrying and put your best foot forward,” Young said a day after the Mets acquired him in a trade with the Rockies for pitcher Collin McHugh.
Manager Terry Collins said he expects Young to play “quite often” as the Mets search for productivity in the leadoff spot. Young was hitting .242 with a homer and six RBIs before he was designated for assignment by the Rockies last week. Young’s speed is intriguing to the Mets. Two years ago, he stole 27 bases for the Rockies.
“We’re hoping that he brings something to the table we haven’t had since Jose [Reyes] — that guy that can get on and create runs,” Collins said.
The New Brunswick, N.J. natives said he has received plenty of messages from family members and friends excited about his homecoming. Young’s father, Eric Sr., played 15 years in the major leagues, mostly with the Rockies, Dodgers and Cubs.
“My dad is excited,” Young Jr. said. “I think he always wanted to be a Met and never got a chance. The hometown team, he’s excited for me and I’m excited.”
The report said the 6-foot-11 Rauch backed down when challenged by the 6-4 Harvey.
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Scott Atchison was placed on the disabled list with a sore right groin. The veteran reliever was injured warming up to enter Tuesday night’s game and limped off the mound without throwing a pitch. Atchison had just returned from a DL stint connected to elbow soreness.
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* Dominic Smith, the team’s No. 1 draft pick, signed with the Mets for $2.6 million. Smith, an 18-year-old first baseman, was the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft.