New York Mets ace Matt Harvey missed a mandatory team workout Tuesday at Citi Field ahead of the team’s first postseason appearance since 2006.
Harvey apologized for the unexcused absence when he arrived at the stadium. It was later revealed he called Mets manager Terry Collins to say he was stuck in traffic on his way to the ballpark.
“Obviously today was not the greatest,” Harvey said during a short press conference. “I know we had a mandatory workout. The last thing I ever want to do is not be here with my team. Basically there’s no excuse. I screwed up. I wasn’t here. I showed up a little late.
“I’ve talked to [general manager] Sandy [Alderson] and I’ve talked to Terry and my teammates and apologized to them and apologized to everybody. They understand. I’m here to get my workout in and be with the team.”
Harvey is scheduled to start Game 3 of the best-of-five National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The All-Star right-hander has been scheduled for a conservative workload during the playoffs after a public face-off with agent Scott Boras, who demanded his client pitch no more than 180 innings in his first year back from Tommy John surgery
Harvey ended up pitching 189.1 innings during the regular season, posting a 13-8 record with a 2.71 ERA and 188 strikeouts.
