Harvey handles himself like veteran, draws praise from his manager

SARASOTA, Fla. - His time in major league camp may soon be coming to an end, but Orioles 20-year-old pitching prospect Hunter Harvey has made a very nice impression over the last few weeks while hanging out with the major league players that he someday wants to join.

When asked about how Harvey has done in this camp, manager Buck Showalter said just three words at one point yesterday as a big smile came across his face.

"Good, pretty good," he said simply.

But then he had a few more words to say about Harvey, who has pitched two scoreless innings in big league exhibitions.

"I was talking to someone the other day," Showalter said. "How does a guy like that make it to us (with the 22nd pick in the draft?). I'm curious, why did he not get picked higher? I'm just glad we picked him, I think he has a real bright future.

"Thing I like is the seamless fit into the locker-room and he's been real humble. And we haven't tried to humble him, there was no need for that. He's got a nice presentation about him."

The Orioles No. 2 rated prospect behind Dylan Bundy, Harvey has enjoyed his time in big league camp.

"It's been unreal so far, a good experience," he said.

Harvey has found the right balance between not being a timid kid in the O's clubhouse, while also showing the veterans the proper respect and taking time to learn from them. Some seem to be taking the youngster under their wings.

"(Chris) Tillman and (Kevin) Gausman have been a real big help in developing my changeup," Harvey said. "They've been a huge help in talking to me about that. I look up to these guys and have a lot of learning to do, but it feels good to be here and be a part of this team."

Harvey has pitched twice this spring. A scoreless inning March 7 against Boston and another last Thursday against St. Louis. Over the two frames he has not allowed a hit or walk and has fanned two. He showed the poise he exhibited at Single-A Delmarva last year.

"First outing was pretty good and felt good (Thursday). It's a little bit different," Harvey said. "Better hitters. The discipline is way different here than in the minors. Been a good experience to face such hitters and give you a taste of what the future may hold."

For Harvey, who could begin the year in Single-A Frederick's rotation, he hopes that future includes good health. He season ended last year in late July with a flexor mass muscle strain after he went 7-5 with a 3.18 ERA for Single-A Delmarva.

He did not need surgery and his arm is fine now. He is completely back to where he was when he pitched so well for the Shorebirds last summer.

"I feel perfect again, everything feels great," Harvey said. "No pain and just feel normal. It's awesome. When I started throwing in the offseason everything felt good, felt normal so I knew my arm was back to where I want it to be. I wasn't worried."

Showalter likes to use the phrase "that's what they look like" when talking about impressive prospects like Harvey. In this camp he has looked and acted the part. He's handled himself well as he takes another step toward a likely big league future.