Report: Mets' Harvey to start spring home opener, 1st game action in 18 months

For the first time in over 18 months, Matt Harvey is scheduled to pitch in live game action.

Harvey will reportedly throw in the New York Mets' spring training home opener March 6 against the Detroit Tigers, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York. It would mark the first time Harvey has pitched in a game since Aug. 24, 2013, nearly two months before he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair his torn UCL.

Harvey, who turns 26 next month, has been rehabbing his way back from the procedure and is expected to open the season in the major-league rotation. He's scheduled to throw to live batters for the first time Friday, though it's unlikely hitters will take any swings during the workout.

"How these things usually go is guys will stand in and kind of watch, monitor and track pitches," Harvey said. "I think once they start really getting the counts and have somebody behind there, I think that's when (the significance) will start." 

Mets manager Terry Collins says he's impressed with the progress Harvey has shown during throwing sessions this spring.

"It doesn't look like he's missed much of a beat," he said, according to Marc Carig of Newsday. "You watch the command of his fastball and working both sides of the plate like he hardly has missed anything."