Matt Harvey allowed 2 runs in 2.2 innings on Wednesday

Matt Harvey allowed two runs on six hits in 2.2 innings pitched while walking one and striking out two on Wednesday in Jupiter.

Harvey, who was on a 45-50 pitch limit, threw 49 pitches before being pulled with two outs in the third after striking out Michael Morse swinging.

Harvey had an easy first inning but stumbled a bit in the second, allowing four consecutive batters to reach (on three singles and a walk), but allowing just one run.

The run off Harvey in the third inning came after Giancarlo Stanton doubled off the outfield wall.

Harvey, who was making his second Grapefruit League appearance – and second start since coming back from Tommy John surgery – featured a fastball that sat between 93 and 98 MPH, but worked a bit more on his secondary pitches than he did during his first start.

Harvey featured his improved curve more during his first start, but relied more on his slider – which was in the 87-89 MPH range – on Wednesday.

After his start, Harvey told reporters including Adam Rubin of ESPN New York that his body felt a bit sluggish on Wednesday, which he said was par for the course for the second start of the Spring.

Thoughts:

Every Matt Harvey start will be scrutinized, even though it’s Spring Training and the results don’t matter.

The only things that matter for Harvey – and every other pitcher – are velocity and health. For Harvey, his velocity was there again, though he appeared to dial it back a bit after the first inning.

As far as his health, Harvey looked great during his first start, said he felt great after his bullpen session this past Friday, and spoke of no ill effects after his start on Wednesday.

Harvey is scheduled to take the mound again next Monday, when his pitch limit will increase a bit more as he continues to stretch it out in preparation for the regular season.