ATLANTA _ Matt Harvey's fate remains uncertain, Mets manager Mickey Callaway said Friday, but sending him to the bullpen is an option. Callaway noted that he and pitching coach Dave Eiland have a history of turning starters into short-term relievers before bringing them back to the rotation.
Callaway did it most prominently in Cleveland with Carlos Carrasco, in addition to Trevor Bauer and Danny Salazar. Eiland did it in Kansas City with Danny Duffy.
"Duffy comes back, makes (26) starts and makes $65 million," Callaway said, referencing the extension Duffy signed with the Royals after a 2016 season split between the rotation and bullpen. "We have experience with that. We can help guys. Guys have to be willing to be helped."
The last part is questionable with Harvey, who Thursday night, after getting hit around by the Braves, was asked about the possibility of relieving and declared: "I'm a starting pitcher. I've always been a starting pitcher."
The Mets are discussing internally which starter to remove from the rotation when left-hander Jason Vargas returns, scheduled for next weekend in San Diego. Harvey has struggled in three of his four starts this season, though Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler are also options.
"We're looking at everything," Callaway said. "Stuff, effectiveness. We're looking at who can handle a bullpen role best. We're looking into, does it make sense for somebody to go to Triple A and just (continue) pitching to add depth? There's tons of things we're considering and we're trying to leave no stone unturned right now.
"(Harvey) made that pretty clear that he wants to be a starter. And I don't blame him. I think everybody wants to start. What we are trying to do as a team is do what's best for the team and for the players."
Harvey would need to approve being sent to the minors because of his major-league service time.
Callaway said he has not yet sought Harvey's input on the matter. When it comes to moving a starter to the bullpen, Callaway said, "ideally you get buy-in." But it's not required.
"Sometimes decisions are decisions, and people have to live with them," Callaway said. "We'll do the best we can to help each and every one of these players succeed in whatever role they're in."
