Mets’ Matt Harvey still hopes to return this season

New York Mets’ pitcher Matt Harvey, who started the 2013 All-Star Game for the National League, underwent Tommy John surgery in October of last year. Even right after the surgery, Harvey expressed his desire to make it back to the pitching mound for the Mets before the end of the 2014 season.

It seemed an extreme goal given that the recovery for pitchers after having Tommy John surgery is usually 12-18 months. Harvey was so determined to comeback and still feel a part of the team that he argued with the organization that he should be able to rehab at least part time in New York. The Mets prefer that pitchers rehab at their Florida facility. An amicable agreement was reached  between the two parties so that Harvey could do his rehab in New York while the team was at home and in Florida while the team was on road trips.

It seems like a fair deal and it has helped Harvey both mentally and physically. He explained his reasoning of wanting to be with his teammates as much as possible to Matt Ehalt of North Jersey.com.

If I have a chance of coming back this year, I’m comfortable with these guys; I’ve been here. I’ve been through the ups and downs. That was something I really felt was important for my future and my return. I didn’t want to just come back with no knowledge of what’s going on.”

Harvey went on to say how being around the team has really benefited his recovery. He relayed that being around his teammates provides him with extra motivation and inspiration to stick to his rehab program. Harvey also said,

“It makes the time go by quicker. I’m already at eight months and we’re at the end of June. It doesn’t feel like I’ve necessarily missed that much time just because I have been around.”

Harvey’s first mound session had been scheduled for June 10 but was later moved back. The Mets don’t want him overdoing it especially with the number of pitchers currently having their second rounds of the surgery this season. Mets manager Terry Collins said regarding Harvey’s return to the mound,

“We know how fast he was coming and we just think this is better for him.”

The organization also does not want Harvey starting games until he is at least 11 months through his rehabilitation. This makes it unlikely he will be able to return in 2014.

He is currently throwing from 120-150 feet on a flat surface. The new date for his first round scheduled has not been set yet but it should be close to if not before the All-Star break. Harvey is still holding out hope that he will pitch this season saying Saturday,

I’m not going to cash out this year. Whatever they decide, they decide. I can’t write myself out there. I can only prepare…and see what happens.”