Matt Harvey has a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, but it's apparently not so torn that he requires surgery to repair it. After visiting with expert Dr. James Andrews, Harvey has decided to forego surgery in favor of rest and rehab, with the hope being he can return in 2014, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.
Matt Harvey injury: Mets’ ace chooses rehab over Tommy John
The right-hander will attempt to work his way back to health in order to pitch in 2014.
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
There is no guarantee that this approach will work, but it’s worth a shot. Harvey will attempt to rehab his right elbow, and begin a throwing program 1-2 months after that -- if it turns out that there is still pain, or his condition worsens, he can undergo off-season Tommy John surgery and still be in line to return for the start of the 2015 season.
Heyman mentions that Roy Halladay, who had a similar tear and avoided surgery, has spoken to Harvey on the subject. Adam Wainwright is another high-profile pitcher who was able to avoid going under the knife with a partially torn UCL, at least until the tear worsened and required surgery over five years later. There's a chance that Harvey could luck out in the same way, but it's tough to know for sure until he tries.
Harvey threw 178 innings for the Mets in 26 starts, posting a 2.27 ERA and 156 ERA+ before he was shut down for the year. He was expected to lead the crop of young Mets starters in 2014, a group that includes Zack Wheeler and possibly Noah Syndergaard, but that's only going to happen if he can pitch through this tear.
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