On Friday, the Mets announced that starting pitcher Matt Harvey will have Tommy John surgery on the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and likely miss the 2014 season.
“After further consultation with doctors, Mets pitcher Matt Harvey has elected to have surgery to repair a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow,” the Mets announced in a statement. Dr. James Andrews will perform the surgery later this month.
This announcement will now allow the Mets to proceed with their offseason without any lingering doubts about Harvey’s status for next season.
Sandy Alderson said about the news that nothing has changed. “But, it does provide some clarity that we didn’t have.”
“I felt this would be the right decision. So, in that sense, I’m happy that Matt has reached that same conclusion.”
Harvey finished this season 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA and 191 strikeouts in 178 1/3 innings, establishing himself as one of the game’s top starting pitchers.
With Harvey now undoubtedly out, the Mets have three certainties in the rotation with Dillon Gee, Zack Wheeler and southpaw Jon Niese. Alderson has already been adamant about adding a veteran this offseason, so it leaves an interesting spring training battle that should include Jenrry Mejia and whomever else the Mets bring in.
We wish Matt the best and thank him for all the thrills he provided us this season and last…
