You could see this coming a mile away.
Major League Baseball announced Tuesday it has suspended former New York Mets ace Matt Harvey.
The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Baltimore Orioles pitcher Matt Harvey has received a 60-game suspension without pay for participating in the distribution of a prohibited Drug of Abuse in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The start date of Harvey’s 60-game suspension is retroactive to April 29, 2022.
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Harvey signed a minor-league contract with the Baltimore Orioles last month.
In February, Harvey testified in the trial of Eric Kay. The ex-Los Angeles Angels director of communications faced charges for the drug-related death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs in 2019. While on the stand, Harvey admitted to using cocaine, as well as oxycodone and percocet.
ESPN reported Harvey was granted immunity for his testimony, so he wouldn’t face criminal charges. But ESPN’s T.J. Quinn reported MLB could drop the hammer on Harvey ... which it did on Tuesday. Quinn noted that MLB wouldn’t be able to suspend Harvey for his drug use. Rather, it would be for distributing opioids, a violation of MLB’s drug policy.
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Harvey said he believes his testimony will threaten his career. But his performance on the mound might have something to say about that as well. Harvey went 6-14 with a 6.27 ERA in 28 starts last year for the Orioles.
As for the trial, Kay was found guilty and, according to the Los Angeles Times, “faces 20 years to life in a federal prison and up to a $1 million fine. His sentencing is scheduled for June 28.”
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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.
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