In Honor Of Matt's First Start, The 7 Best Harvey Days Of All Time

By Daniel Friedman
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Matt Harvey is set to make his first regular-season mound appearance in over 500 days, and to celebrate his return, we gloss over his seven best performances.

Happy Harvey Day, everyone.

7. June 28, 2013 (vs. WSH)

Harvey strikes out 11 Nationals, allowing just three hits and one earned run (a solo homer). Despite his brilliance, the Mets falter after his seven innings of work and lose, 6-4.

6. June 18, 2013 (@ ATL)

Surrenders three hits and three earned runs, but racks up 13 strikeouts -- which remains his highest total in a single game. The Mets win, 4-3.

5. April 3, 2013 (vs. SD)

Harvey's first start in 2013 is a gem, as he gives up just one hit and zero runs, striking out 10 Padres in seven stellar innings. The final score: Mets 8, Padres 4.

4. July 21, 2013 (vs. PHI)

For the second time in nearly two months, Harvey shuts out the Phillies, registering 10 strikeouts. He gives up just three hits and no walks over seven innings as the Mets take the ballgame, 5-0.

3. July 26, 2012 (@ ARI)

The first Harvey Day -- his major league debut. It's a smashing success, as Harvey strikes out 11 batters in 5 1/3 scoreless innings. The Mets beat the Diamondbacks, 3-1.

2. May 28, 2013 (vs. NYY)

Not only was this Harvey's first time pitching against his childhood heroes, but it was also one of his best performances to date. Ten strikeouts and just a single earned run, as his Mets defeat the Yankees, 2-1.

1. May 7, 2013 (vs. CHW)

Harvey has a perfect game through 6 2/3 innings, before it's broken up. He strikes out 12 in a complete game, one-hit shutout of the White Sox. The Mets win, 1-0. (Oh, and as seen above, he was bleeding from his nose into his mouth.)