General manager Billy Eppler explained the Angels took a low-risk one-year gamble ($11 million) on Matt Harvey because their research showed better results for pitchers two years out from thoracic outlet syndrome, and that after being traded from the Mets to the Reds last year, Harvey showed steady improvement.
Eppler said the early results are good — a fastball averaging 93-94 mph, a slider with hints of the best from his time with the Mets, an upgrade in his changeup and reports from veterans that the righty “is a good dude.” Eppler cautions it is early, but he is encouraged.