PORT ST. LUCIE — Matt Harvey originally was scheduled to throw against the Tigers yesterday in Lakeland, but instead of facing Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera, the right-handed prospect wound up staying in Mets camp and pitching in a minor league game, where the most prominent players he faced were R.A. Dickey and Jon Niese.
His outing was a success, because he didn’t end up hitting either of them, who wanted to work on their bunting against live pitching.
“That was the biggest thing,” Harvey said after he threw 75 pitches in five innings, hitting 96 mph several times. “Don’t sail one up and in.”
Harvey, who didn’t make the trip because the Mets needed to bring another starter on the road, because of MLB rules, showed an impressive array of pitches. He was able to mix in some off-speed pitches to go along with his fastball that stayed in the mid-90s.
“I was real happy with my off-speed pitches, and I was getting everything over for a strike,” said Harvey, who added he felt considerably more comfortable than a year ago. “I feel like my mechanics are a lot more repeatable.
“I’m able to throw any pitch in any count right now. Last year, that might not have been the case.”
Harvey, who threw two perfect innings against the Braves on Friday, said he wasn’t disappointed about being switched with Dillon Gee to pitch against the Tigers.
“Wherever they tell me to pick up the ball and throw it, I go,” Harvey said.
* The Mets suspended bullpen catcher Eric Langill for seven days without pay and required him to seek counseling through the Employee Assistance Program after Langill was arrested for an alleged DUI after he flipped his car coming home from a Port St. Lucie bowling alley Sunday night.
* Justin Turner left yesterday’s 7-6, 10-inning loss to the Tigers in Lakeland in the sixth after getting hit in the left leg.
Gee gave up two runs in four innings, striking out five and giving up a homer to Fielder.
Chuck James gave up four unearned runs, two hits and three walks in an inning.
He is attempting to take over for left-handed reliever Tim Byrdak, who is out after left knee surgery.