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Alderson: Mets' Harvey Weighing Season-Ending Surgery

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Matt Harvey has symptoms consistent with thoracic outlet syndrome and might undergo season-ending surgery, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters Thursday.

Harvey could also elect to have "temporary, conservative treatments," Alderson said. If the pitcher chooses surgery now, the recovery time would be four months, cutting his season short.

The Mets pitcher saw Dr. Robert Thompson, who specializes in thoracic outlet syndrome, in St. Louis on Thursday.

"I have not talked to our doctors and I have not talked to Matt, so I can't confirm which option Matt is going to pursue, but we should know that shortly," Alderson said.

Mets P Matt Harvey
Mets right-hander Matt Harvey pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on April 3, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Alderson added that the operation is inevitable but that Harvey could delay it.

Harvey was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with what the team described as discomfort in his elbow.

According to the Mayo Clinic, thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when the blood vessels or nerves between the collarbone and rib are compressed, causing pain in the shoulders and neck and numbness in the fingers.

MORE: Keidel: Harvey's Disastrous Season Takes Another Dark Turn

Manager Terry Collins said Harvey informed him of the issue following his last start, July 4 against Miami.

"He said his arm just felt like it was dead," Collins said. "Obviously, immediately we took him to the doctor. And any time you're recommended to go see a specialist in a certain area, that for me sends up a red flag."

Harvey, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2013, returned strong last season, leading the Mets to the World Series. But this season he has mostly struggled and is 4-10 with a 4.86 ERA.

News of Harvey's injury is the latest blow to a team that entered the season with extremely high expectations. Third baseman and captain David Wright won't be back until September, if he returns at all this season, after undergoing neck surgery last month. Starting first baseman Lucas Duda has been on the DL since May with a stress fracture in his lower back. And Alderson said Thursday that it's unclear when pitcher Zack Wheeler, who has suffered some setbacks following Tommy John surgery, last season, will return.

Pitchers Steven Matz and Noah Syndergaard have also been pitching with bone spurs in their elbows.

"It seems like every day it's almost scary to walk through the clubhouse doors anymore," Collins said. "I hate to walk by the training room. I should lock the doors."

Despite the onslaught of injuries, the Mets are 46-38 this season.

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