Mets pitcher Matt Harvey late for mandatory workout; says he was stuck in traffic

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey was a late arrival to the team's mandatory workout Tuesday, but had an explanation: he was stuck in traffic.

When the star pitcher didn't initially show Tuesday, general manager Sandy Alderson did not know why. Alderson believed the Citi Field workout was mandatory for all players.

"The last thing I ever want to do is not be here for my team," Harvey said. "There's no excuse, I screwed up."

Harvey said he apologized to Alderson, manager Terry Collins, and his teammates.

Harvey's agent, Scott Boras, also was in the dark at first. He told The Associated Press by phone he wasn't sure why his client wasn't there.

New York opens its NL playoff series against the Dodgers on Friday night in Los Angeles. Harvey is to start Game 3 at Citi Field next Monday. The right-hander went 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA this year in his first season back from Tommy John surgery.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)