Matt Harvey throws live BP for first time since surgery

UPDATE, 1:27 PM:

Matt Harvey spoke with the media after his bullpen session – carried on SNY – and had the following to say:

On the batting practice session:

"It’s still day-one of mound work, but as far as the way things feel, it feels great…they said everything looked great. The biggest thing today is getting used to having somebody in there…I was in compete mode, I wasn’t holding back…things were coming out free and easy."

On his thought process heading into his first start, set for next Friday:

"Just try and continue what I did. Obviously it’ll be an exciting day, facing another team…still really working on your pitches. Paying attention to what guys are swinging at, what guys aren’t is the biggest thing."

On the pitches he threw and how he feels:

"Today I was throwing everything. I think I was kinda surprised how well things felt. The slider was good, I felt like I picked up right where I left off…It’s been a long time, but I’m excited. I feel ready to go…I felt like it was very similar – if not better – than before (the injury)."

On Friday morning at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie, Matt Harvey threw live batting practice for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October of 2013.

After a brief bullpen session alongside other pitchers including Gabriel Ynoa, Harvey made his way to the Tradition Field mound to begin the live batting practice session.

During the session, Harvey threw 43 pitches while facing David Wright, Michael Cuddyer, Curtis Granderson, and Daniel Murphy – none of whom swung. Instead, the hitters simply tracked each pitch.

Friday was Harvey’s second-to-last major hurdle as far as his recovery from surgery is concerned. Next Friday, Harvey is scheduled to start the Mets’ home Spring Training opener, which would be his first game action since suffering his torn UCL in August of 2013.

Thoughts:

So far, Matt Harvey has gotten through each level of his recovery without suffering a setback of any kind.

According to those in attendance, Harvey threw mostly fastballs on Friday while also mixing in a number of curves. While speaking after the session, Harvey said that he threw all of his pitches – including his slider.

For now, the first “Harvey Day” of Spring Training is over. All attention now turns to next Friday.