When Matt Harvey copped flak for going AWOL during a crucial Mets game leading to his team's loss
In May 2017, star pitcher Matt Harvey was chided by his former teammate Jose Reyes for going AWOL (absent without leave) during a crucial New York Mets game leading to his team's loss.
Apparently, due to Harvey's absence, the club had to bring forth a rookie who gave up five earned runs leading to a 7-0 loss. When Harvey showed up the next day for an MLB game between the Mets and Marlins, he was straight away sent home. Enraged with Harvey for the Met's embarrassing defeat, Reyes commented:
“You’re an employee; you have to understand you need to show up for your work,” groused Mets infielder Jose Reyes. As a grown man, you’ve got a job to do. You have to understand: If you don’t show up, you’re going to pay the consequence."
So, why exactly did Matt Harvey disappear only to show up the next day?
As per Page Six, apparently, Marvey had a short-lived affair with Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima. The former Mets star had a meltdown when he learned that she stepped out with her ex-boyfriend, NFL wide receiver, Julian Edelman. However, as per ESPN, Harvey was suffering from a migraine and thus couldn't report to Citi Field.
While serving a three-day suspension, Matt Harvey apologized for his actions and said:
"First off, as I just did with my teammates and all the coaches, I apologized for my actions, and I do apologize for my actions. Obviously, I'm extremely embarrassed by my actions."
He added:
"Yes, I was out on Friday night, past curfew. I did play golf Saturday morning, and I put myself in a bad place to be ready to show up for a ballgame. It is my responsibility, and I take full blame for that."
Matt Harvey is scheduled to return to the mound for the Mets. Harvey missed his start Sunday due to suspension.
Harvey: 2-2, 5.14 ERA
"Matt Harvey is scheduled to return to the mound for the Mets. Harvey missed his start Sunday due to suspension." - ESPN Stats & Info
Matt Harvey's unpaid ban cost him around $82,000 out of his $5.125 million paycheck.
Matt Harvey's apology was accepted by his New York Mets teammates
Matt Harvey was eager to move on from the event once the dust had settled from his three-day ban. So were his Mets teammates. Referring to Harvey, former New York Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson said:
"I think everybody deserves a second chance. What Matt said to me, he's going to get after it, like he did in the past. I told him he needs to make baseball number one. When he did that, he was on top of the world, you know? This guy was the best pitcher in the game. He made that the priority. And when he makes that the priority again, he'll be back."
With each passing day, Harvey's on-field performances deteriorated, though, and the Mets eventually designated him for assignment in May 2018. Next, the team sent him to the Cincinnati Reds for catcher Devin Mesoraco and monetary considerations.
After playing with Cincinnati Reds (2018), Los Angeles Angels (2019), Kansas City Royals (2020) and Baltimore Orioles (2021), Harvey elected free agency on November 10, 2022.