Matt Harvey Throws 4 Shutout Innings as Starter vs. Dodgers in Reds Debut

Matt Harvey's Cincinnati Reds debut was nearly perfect.

After being designated for assignment by the New York Mets and subsequently traded earlier this week, the right-hander made his first start in a Reds uniform against the reigning National League champs on Friday night. He couldn't have made a much better first impression.

The only hit he allowed was fluky. Reds right fielder Scott Schebler lost a fly ball in the sky with one out in the second inning, and the ball fell between him and center fielder Billy Hamilton for a triple. That turned out to be the only baserunner the newest Red would allow on the night. 

He was pulled after throwing 55 pitches in four innings.

The way Harvey was cruising through Dodgers hitters, not allowing many hard-hit balls, some may have been surprised to see such a quick hook. However, this was his first start since May 3, and he had not thrown more than 35 pitches in a start since April 19.

Given that Harvey has undergone both Tommy John surgery and thoracic outlet surgery within the past five years, Cincinnati was not going to push him too far his first time out. The Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay even tweeted on Thursday that Reds manager Jim Riggleman was hoping for four innings out of the pitcher.

Fay also reported that the right-hander got some work in by throwing 60 pitches during a workout on Tuesday.

Friday's start was reminiscent of his 2018 debut, five innings of one-hit, shutout baseball. The Reds are hoping that he can build on this success rather than follow his Mets form, where he allowed at least four runs in each of his next three starts (which cost him his spot in New York's rotation).

Is the 29-year-old Harvey back to his All-Star form? It's important to remember that this was just one game—and one against a struggling team. However, it was a promising start to his Cincinnati career to say the least.