Pitching in the World Series, hearing the chants at Citi

NEW YORK (AP) — The glory days with the Mets Jason Kipnis Jersey , those are still fresh for Matt Harvey: Field, becoming the Dark Knight.So are the bad times: Suspended for failing to show up at the park, getting hit hard, being banished to the bullpen.“I remember a lot of cheers,” the former ace said. “I do remember some boos.”Traded to Cincinnati for catcher Devin Mesoraco on May 8, Harvey returned Monday to the stadium he once ruled. He’s not scheduled to pitch in the three-game series.“That was interesting, not pulling into the players’ lot,” he said.A 45-second video tribute to Harvey before the game drew a mixed reaction from the crowd. It ended with the message “Thank you Matt” as both Reds and Mets players applauded.Sitting in the dugout Lonnie Chisenhall Jersey , Harvey waved to a camera and tipped his hat.“I want people to know I do regret a lot of mistakes I made,” the 29-year-old said earlier, adding, “Obviously, I never wished it ended like that.”As Harvey walked into short left field for pregame throwing with other Reds pitchers, a small cluster of fans called to him.“Dark Knight!” a couple shouted.Harvey’s rise to stardom was meteoric, even by New York standards.Promoted to the majors in 2012, he started the All-Star Game at Citi Field the next year. That same season, there was a memorable night when he outpitched Washington ace Stephen Strasburg and Mets fans kept chanting “Harvey’s better!”By then www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-larry-doby-jersey , the hard-throwing Harvey was already a fixture in the tabloids, dating models, rooting on the Rangers at Madison Square Garden and living the New York life.His zenith came in 2015, when his two playoff wins helped put the Mets in the World Series. The ballpark never sounded louder when he took the mound in the ninth inning of Game 5 with a 2-0 lead over Kansas City.“The highs definitely took things to a different level,” he said.But after a walk and a hit, it all fell apart for the Mets, and Harvey. The Royals rallied to tie it, and eventually won in the 12th to take the crown.After that, Harvey was never quite the same.Having missed the entire 2014 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery Bob Feller Jersey , he became beset by injuries. Surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, shoulder trouble and other ailments added up, and took their toll.“I definitely gave it my all, and my body definitely couldn’t handle it,” he said.Harvey said the struggles and frustration and frequent injuries mounted so much, there was a time “I really didn’t know I was going to continue playing the game.”Harvey mentioned the mistakes he made a couple times, without detailing them. But after starting out 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA in four starts and four relief appearances this year, the Mets had seen enough.Three months ago, they traded him.“There was a lot of tears Satchel Paige Jersey , a lot of sadness. It was tough,” he said.Harvey has resurrected himself, somewhat, with the last-place Reds. He’s 5-5 with a 4.79 ERA in 15 starts for Cincinnati, and there’s talk that he might get traded before Sept. 1 to a playoff contender.“I just think I needed to throw and be out there and pitch,” he said. “I appreciate the Reds organization for giving me a chance.”Harvey said he felt “a lot of different emotions” returning to Citi Field. He’s close with Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki, among other former teammates.“Had such good memories here,” he said.Cincinnati interim manager Jim Riggleman said Harvey started with a clean slate when he joined the Reds.“You hear stories, but that was so far from anything that would’ve concerned us Joe Carter Jersey ,” Riggleman said. He described Harvey’s performance on and off the field as “top flight.”And Riggleman predicted more of those special moments are in Harvey’s future.“He’s still recovering,” Riggleman said. “He may be better next year.” DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies have brought in Daniel Murphy to boost an offense big on pop but lackluster in batting average.The veteran infielder has agreed to a $24 million, two-year contract with the Rockies, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was subject to a successful physical.The Rockies hit .256 last season, their lowest mark in team history. The team had 210 homers, the fifth-most in franchise history and the most since 2001.Murphy figures to raise that batting average. He is a .330 hitter in 26 games at Coors Field.The 33-year-old Murphy spent last season with the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .299 with 12 homers. The three-time All-Star missed the start of the year after undergoing right knee surgery.Murphy could play second base for the Rockies if DJ LeMahieu departs in free agency. The Rockies also may be looking at Murphy to take over at first base should Ian Desmond move to the outfield. The team figures to lose outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra in free agency.The Rockies are coming off a season in which they made the postseason for a second straight season, marking the first time they’ve made back-to-back playoff appearances. They were eliminated by the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL divisional round after knocking off the Cubs in the wild-card game.Colorado is still searching for its first NL West title in franchise history. The team took the Los Angeles Dodgers to game No. 163 last season before losing the division title.