Morning Mets Notes: Aaron Laffey Will Get Another Chance to Start

Aaron Laffey made his Mets debut yesterday afternoon in the series finale at Citi Field against the Miami Marlins, but it wasn’t exactly a great start for the left-hander. Thankfully, he limited the Fish to only three runs in his 4.1 innings pitched, but the self-proclaimed contact pitcher allowed 10 hits before he made his exit to a displeased home crowd, which will need to change the next time he takes the hill for New York. However, Terry Collins defended his starter while saying he will stay in the rotation for the time being.

Apr 7, 2013; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Aaron Laffey (47) pitches during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Since his call-up from Triple-A to take Shaun Marcum‘s spot in the rotation was somewhat immediate, Collins said Laffey was a bit rusty since he hadn’t pitched in a game since March 24, his last Grapefruit League appearance before breaking camp. The southpaw said it did feel good to stretch his arm out, throwing more than 80 pitches for the first time since last season. Having to shake off rust is inevitable no matter how many simulated games a pitcher throws, but he’ll have to sharpen up quick before he finds himself back in Las Vegas. New York may use him when they take their first-even trip to Minnesota, but could opt to skip his turn until they absolutely need a fifth starter again, which is eight days from now at Coors Field against the Rockies.

As Matt Harvey prepares for his second start of the season against the Roy Halladay and Philadelphia Phillies tonight at 7:05 p.m, we heard how he reacted to a tweet from David Price on Wednesday night following his dominant performance at the expense of the San Diego Padres. Harvey was flattered to hear about the praise, and said he “thinks” he met the Tampa Bay ace when he was in college during his Price’s time in Triple-A Durham, but isn’t sure. Anytime a reigning Cy Young award winner is glowing about a fellow pitcher’s abilities, it’s a special moment, especially when it’s someone like Harvey, who is still trying to establish himself in the big leagues. Let’s hope he continues to exceed those high expectations tonight at Citizens Bank.

The Mets were on the brink of losing their first series of the season yesterday afternoon, but a ninth inning rally off Marlins closer Steve Cishek denied Miami their second win in 2013, and the first of Jose Fernandez‘s very young career. It was Marlon Byrd who bounced a single down the third base line that scored both Ruben Tejada and Kirk Nieuwenhuis for the victory. You can get your Rising Apple recap right here.

Michael Lecolant said that Tejada’s early season errors are likely making it real hard for Terry Collins to resist pulling the young shortstop into his office and have a chat with him. With the type of game he plays, he needs to be solid defensively in order to be effective overall. Meanwhile, the 1973 Mets improved to 2-0 with a 3-2 over Philly, and Rich Sparago gave us a brief recap of the victory.

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