Matt Harvey's Rehab Hits Speed Bump Due To Hefner Setback
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The New York Mets could slow down Matt Harvey's return from Tommy John surgery after receiving bad news on right-hander Jeremy Hefner.
Harvey has said he wanted to throw in the majors this year while the Mets thought outings in the Arizona Fall League or instructional ball were more realistic. But general manager Sandy Alderson acknowledged Tuesday that Harvey might not pitch in any games until spring training.
"Matt's a very smart guy, and yes, he tends to be very intense about everything, including his rehab, and aggressive about it," Alderson said, according to the Mets' official website. "At the same time, I think he is constantly reassessing based on new information -- new information about how he feels, about the nature of the injury and other cases, other situations. My sense is Matt will at least take this into account, as we are."
Alderson said Harvey and the team will talk "over the next week or so" about cutting back on his work, possibly limiting him to bullpen sessions.
The Mets' original plan was to keep the 25-year-old on a throwing program through September, when he could then pitch in a game, though not in the majors.
"One of the things we've tried to do is by the end of the season, get Matt into a situation where he's comfortable going into next season," Alderson said. "Part of that is where he is physically. Part of that is where he is mentally."
Alderson was concerned that Hefner recently had a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery and might need more reconstructive work.
"My sense is that Matt will at least take this into account, as we will," Alderson said.
The question is whether the ultra-competitive Harvey will take any change in plan in stride.
"That's something you'll get a chance to ask him at some point," Alderson said. "It's conceivable that Matt will feel fine saying, 'Hey, I'm just going to throw bullpens the rest of the year, and I'll see you in Port St. Lucie.'"
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