Former Mets ace Matt Harvey discusses drug use, including cocaine, while testifying at Eric Kay trial

While testifying on Tuesday during the trial of former Los Angeles Angels employee Eric Kay, who stands accused in the drug-related death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs, former Mets pitcher Matt Harvey discussed his own drug use and the interactions he had with Skaggs.

Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room on July 1, 2019, with an autopsy revealing that he had fentanyl, oxycodone, and alcohol in his system, and that he had choked on his own vomit.

According to T.J. Quinn of ESPN, Harvey -- who was Skaggs' teammate with the Angels in 2019 -- testified that he tried oxycodone in 2019 (saying that he got it from Skaggs), and that he didn't like how it felt.

Harvey said during testimony that he was a partier, telling the prosecution when asked that cocaine was his drug of choice when partying and that he continued to use cocaine after signing with the Angels for the 2019 season and arriving in California.

In addition to his use of cocaine and oxycodone, Harvey said he got Percocet pills at the beginning of the 2019 season, and that he shared some with Skaggs after Skaggs had asked him if he had Percocet or oxycodone.

Harvey explained that Skaggs asked him for pills before "a couple" of road trips during the 2019 season, which included one instance where Skaggs said he wanted oxycodone in order to feel "loosey goosey" before one of his starts. 

Harvey also testified that Skaggs received pills from Kay and another supplier in California, and that he did not know the extent of Skaggs' addiction.

When asked whether he ever told Skaggs to be careful, Harvey -- who explained that players were "constantly doing what they can to stay on the field" -- said he thought he "was being a good teammate" by giving drugs to Skaggs.

As far as his own drug use, Harvey -- when asked whether he lied about his cocaine use -- said "no one really asked," and explained that he used drugs in the clubhouse and dugout.

Describing Skaggs' drug use, Harvey said Skaggs told him that he crushed and snorted oxycodone off the toilet paper dispenser in the clubhouse bathroom.

Before joining the Angels, Harvey played for the Mets from 2012 to 2018, when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds during the season. After spending the 2019 season with the Angels, Harvey pitched for the Kansas City Royals in 2020 and Baltimore Orioles in 2021. He is currently a free agent.

Kay has pled not guilty to two counts -- one alleging that he possessed and distributed a controlled substance and the other accusing him of “knowingly and intentionally” providing Skaggs with fentanyl. If Kay is convicted, he'll face a minimum of 20 years in prison.