WASHINGTON — Matt Harvey’s recent Broadway audition ended with a call from the Mets Tuesday telling him to continue honing his craft.
After considering Harvey to pitch Saturday’s game against the Dodgers, general manager Sandy Alderson has opted to keep the highly-regarded right-hander at Triple-A Buffalo, handing the ball instead to veteran Miguel Batista.
The decision came a day after Harvey — pitching in front of a group of evaluators that included special assistant J.P. Ricciardi — allowed two earned runs on three hits and four walks with a hit batter over 6²/₃ innings for Buffalo against Toledo.
Batista will assume the No. 5 spot in the rotation vacated after Dillon Gee underwent surgery last week to repair an artery in his right shoulder.
“We want to make sure when [Harvey] starts his major league career it’s an auspicious start and independent of issues that exist at the major league level,” Alderson said before the Mets’ 10-inning, 5-4 loss to the Nationals last night. “He’s knocking on the door, and we can hear it, but we thought this was the best decision.
“[Batista] has given us a number of good starts. It’s probably his most effective role for us.”
The 23-year-old Harvey is 7-4 with a 3.34 ERA in 19 starts for Buffalo this season. The Mets’ biggest concern has been his command of the changeup and curveball that complement his 95-mph fastball.
Alderson also said Zack Wheeler, who is considered the organization’s top pitching prospect, will in all likelihood remain in the minor leagues for the entire season. Wheeler is expected soon to be promoted from Double-A Binghamton to Buffalo.
But Alderson said Harvey has entered a “gray area” as far as earning a promotion.
“I don’t think there is anything else he needs to show us,” Alderson said. “He’s been very consistent over his last 10 or 12 starts and pitched very well. One could conclude he’s done everything he needs to do at Triple-A and his best bet is to continue his development right here in the major leagues.My guess is that is something we will do some time this season. If he’s in our plans for next year he ought to be pitching here some time this season. That just makes sense. But we didn’t feel this time was right.”
Manager Terry Collins said when the Mets ultimately promote Harvey they want to ensure he will stay. The manager also said Harvey already has displayed the emotional makeup needed to succeed in the majors.
“When the time comes he’ll be ready,” said Collins, who spoke both to Harvey and Buffalo manager Wally Backman to tell them of the decision. “This kid has an outstanding makeup, he’s not going to be affected. If and when that start comes, if it’s this year or next year, he’s going to be up for the challenge, no doubt in my mind.”