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Harvey Pitching With Blister On Right Index Finger, Might Miss Next Start

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Matt Harvey hasn't been his dominant self over his past two starts.

And now it seems that we know why.

Following the Mets' marathon victory over the Giants on Monday night, manager Terry Collins informed reporters that the staff ace has been pitching with a blister on his right index finger for much of the past month.

"Obviously he pitched fine, but that's not what we have seen through most of the first half," Collins told the New York Daily News. "He's had a small blister that we have disregarded because it hasn't been bothering him. He didn't throw as much between starts as he normally does and I think you saw the effects of it because his command wasn't what it normally is."

Harvey, who will likely start for the National League in the All-Star Game if he's healthy enough to do so, earned a no-decision on Monday. He surrendered three runs on six hits in seven frames, walking one and striking out six.

The All-Star wasn't in any mood to use the blister as an excuse.

"It's no excuse for my poor pitching," Harvey told the newspaper. "I think if you ask any pitcher they always have some problems with blisters. I'm not going to make an excuse for my poor performances. It's something to work on between starts and try and get better."

The 24-year-old endured the worst start of his season last Wednesday against the D-Backs, giving up five runs on nine hits in six innings. He did, however, strike out nine.

After serving up a two-run homer to Buster Posey in the first inning on Monday, Harvey settled down and kept the Mets in the game.

"The last two have been a struggle," Harvey said, according to ESPN. "I'm obviously not happy. There's work to be done. The positive part was going seven. Obviously I'm not happy about giving up the runs and stuff like that. I think after three innings it was 70-something pitches. Being able to bounce back and throw seven was probably the only plus of tonight's start. It was a good win for us. That's all that matters."

Collins said that Harvey might miss his next start on Saturday against the Pirates, though it doesn't have to do with his finger. The skipper might have Harvey rest so that he can be available for the Midsummer Classic.

The second-year player is 7-2 on the season with a 2.35 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP. He has struck out 147 and walked 28 in 130 innings pitched.

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