New York Mets manager Terry Collins on Thursday named right-hander Matt Harvey the team’s Opening Day starter against the Kansas City Royals.
The Mets and the Royals kick off the season on April 3 at Kauffman Stadium on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, in a rematch of last year’s World Series.
“It’s a huge honor,” Harvey told reporters. “Looking around the locker room, looking at this corner, obviously Terry could have announced anybody. So for me getting the nod, it’s a huge honor.”
Harvey and right-hander Jacob deGrom were being considered, but deGrom’s status for the season-opening series is in question because his wife is expecting a baby.
Harvey, 26, bounced back last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and went 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA and 188 strikeouts over 189 1/3 innings.