Matt Harvey could piggyback starts to remain fresh for possible playoff appearance

As the Matt Harvey innings limit saga rolls on, a new development was thrust into the spotlight this morning as Terry Collins announced that Harvey might be used to piggyback starts in order to to avoid long layoffs as the Mets move down the stretch and close in on their first playoff berth since 2006.

Harvey's inning count current stands at 171.2. His agent, Scott Boras, voiced concerns last week over Harvey's exceeding 180 innings, while the Mets have contended that they have had Harvey's innings plan being managed all season long. The Mets would like Harvey available to pitch in the playoffs and Harvey has expressed his own desire to be there for them in October in The Player's Tribune article he recently penned.

If the Mets have Harvey piggyback starts down the stretch, an idea we floated on Amazin' Avenue last week, not only can they keep Harvey's arm fresh and reduce his workload, but they can simultaneously limit innings for other young starters like Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom, who both have already exceeded career highs for innings pitched. According to Collins, Harvey is on board with the Mets' plan.