PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Pitcher Matt Harvey of the New York Mets said he will start on Opening Day against the Kansas City Royals, even after a tortured few days of contending with a mystery ailment, which he revealed Tuesday to be a bladder infection that caused a blood clot that needed to be passed.
“Any time there’s discoloration in your urine, it’s not a great feeling,” said Harvey, who has been cleared for light baseball activity and may throw a few innings Wednesday, the final tuneup before his first Opening Day assignment Sunday night in Kansas City.
The ailment, though painful, ultimately had minimal impact on Harvey’s ability to pitch. But it was nonetheless unsettling for Harvey, whose anguish included difficulty urinating, the symptom that raised red flags for doctors.
Harvey, who turned 27 on Sunday, said he contracted a bladder infection caused by his habit of putting off bathroom breaks. The blood clot followed.
CUBS: The team released veteran outfielder Shane Victorino and will put utilityman Javier Baez on the 15-day disabled list.
The Cubs also allotted their final roster spots to pitcher Neil Ramirez, infielder Tommy La Stella and outfielder Matt Szczur.
BRAVES: Outfielder Jeff Francoeur, 32, made the opening-day roster with an impressive showing in spring training.
Under baseball’s labor contract, the Braves were required to keep him, release him or pay a $100,000 retention bonus if he was willing to continue with his minor league contract. Francoeur made it clear he wouldn’t go back to the minors.
BREWERS: Pitchers Chris Capuano and Blaine Boyer, and infielders Yadiel Rivera and Colin Walsh earned roster spots.
Because they were major league free agents, Milwaukee had to decide whether to put Capuano and Boyer on the roster, release them or pay $100,000 retention bonuses. Capuano gets a contract that pays him $1.5 million in the big leagues and Boyer $950,000.
ROCKIES: The team added outfielder Ryan Raburn to its major league roster.
Raburn’s contract was selected from Triple-A Albuquerque, and he will have a $1.5 million salary in the big leagues this season.
PADRES: Right-hander Philip Humber, 33, told the team he’s retiring instead of accepting a minor league assignment.
NATIONALS: Right-handed reliever Matt Belisle made the 25-man roster.
RANGERS: Veteran outfielder Drew Stubbs was granted his release.
TWINS: Minnesota finalized its 25-man regular-season roster, making right-hander Ricky Nolasco the team’s fifth starter in the rotation.
ORIOLES: South Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim won’t start the season with the team but must agree to any minor league assignment.
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