Ex-Mets ace Matt Harvey suspended by MLB following disclosure of drug distribution during Eric Kay trial

Former Mets ace Matt Harvey has been suspended for 60 games "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 league announced Tuesday.

The start of Harvey's suspension is retroactive to April 29.

Harvey signed a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles in April.

In February, Harvey discussed his prior drug use, including cocaine and oxycodone, while testifying at the trial of Eric Kay, who was found guilty of supplying drugs that led to the July 2019 death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

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 during his 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 the drug after signing with the Angels for the 2019 season and arriving in California.

Even though he faced a likely suspension, Harvey pressed forward with his effort to return, and had been posting videos of himself on Instagram while throwing to hitters prior to signing with Baltimore. 

Harvey's career was derailed during the 2016 season when he started dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome that resulted in surgery. 

After beginning his career posting a 2.53 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over his first three seasons with the Mets from 2012 to 2015 (he missed the 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery), Harvey has posted a 5.92 ERA and 1.51 WHIP over the last six seasons.

Harvey, who turned 33 on March 27, played for the Mets from 2012 to 2018, when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds midseason. After spending the 2019 season with the Angels, Harvey pitched for the Kansas City Royals in 2020 and Orioles in 2021.