NEW YORK -- The New York Mets designated Matt Harvey for assignment Friday, marking an abrupt and stunning end to the tenure of a pitcher who was considered one of baseball's budding stars and the future face of the organization upon arrival in 2012.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said the team made the decision after Harvey refused a demotion to the minor leagues to work out his problems. The Mets recently moved Harvey to the bullpen, but he struggled with the transition and allowed five runs in an 11-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Thursday at Citi Field.