Matt Harvey could be on the move again, only this time he’s in control of his fate.
Harvey has an opt-out in his minor-league contract with the A’s on Thursday that allows him to leave if he draws big-league interest elsewhere, the pitcher told the San Francisco Chronicle.
The former Met, a free-agent-to-be, could be given a September audition, after pitching relatively well in the minors with the A’s. In three starts for Triple-A Las Vegas, Harvey pitched to a 3.60 ERA, allowing 12 hits in 15 innings and striking out 18. He was strong in his first two starts before giving up four runs in five innings Tuesday night.
Oakland’s plans for Harvey are uncertain. Its bullpen has struggled in middle relief, and so Harvey could be an option there. But they have other options, like Paul Blackburn, Daniel Mengden and Jesus Luzardo, according to the Chronicle.
Harvey was released by the Angels after struggling mightily, pitching to a 7.09 ERA in 12 starts.