Matt Harvey on Scoreless Reds Debut: 'It's a Good First Start'

Matt Harvey's tumultuous 2018 season took a positive turn Friday when he allowed no runs on one hit over four innings in his first start for the Cincinnati Reds.

Speaking to reporters after the Reds' 6-2 win, Harvey was pleased with his performance, saying: "It's a good first start. Obviously it's only four innings; there's a lot of work and a lot of season left. But I think to go out there and be successful and get outs, help a team win, is very important."

Harvey's career has taken a dramatic turn since he posted a 2.71 ERA and led the New York Mets to the 2015 World Series, where they lost to the Kansas City Royals in five games.

Injuries limited the right-hander to 35 starts over the previous two seasons, and his 5.78 ERA over that span was the fifth-worst mark among all starting pitchers with at least 180 innings pitched.

After posting an ERA of 7.00 in eight appearances this season, Harvey was designated for assignment before being traded to the Reds on Tuesday for catcher Devin Mesoraco and cash.

Just as encouraging as Harvey's scoreless start Friday? His average fastball velocity of 94.59 mph in his last appearance for the Mets was his highest of the season, and the 29-year-old hit 96 mph on the radar gun against the Dodgers. 

Harvey still has a long way to go before getting back to his All-Star form, but the first step in that process was a success.