Mets right-hander Matt Harvey is progressing well following surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome.
Harvey, who had the procedure in July, has resumed regular offseason baseball workouts, he told ESPN New York's Adam Rubin. He's long-tossing at a distance of 120 feet and plans to report to spring training early. From Rubin:
"I'm feeling great," Harvey said. "My workouts are going well. I'm just looking forward to getting down to spring training and having a good time. ... Obviously being healthy through spring training and getting to the season and continuing to be healthy through the season is a big plus for me and something I'm looking forward to doing.
"As far as the offseason goes, I'm right where I want to be."
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a nerve compression near the neck and shoulder that causes numbness in the hand. The surgery involves removing a rib to relieve pressure on the nerve. Thoracic outlet syndrome is potentially very serious and can be career-threatening if not caught in time. By all accounts, Harvey's condition was discovered early and treated before any long-term damage took place.
Harvey, 28 in March, went 4-10 with a 4.86 ERA (85 ERA+) in 17 starts and 92 2/3 innings in 2016 before having his season-ending surgery. He was brilliant in 2015, his first season back from Tommy John surgery, going 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA (140 ERA+) in a career high 189 1/3 innings.
Ace righty Noah Syndergaard is the only one of the Mets' vaunted young starters who won't be coming off surgery heading into the 2017 season:
- Harvey: Surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in July.
- Jacob deGrom: Had surgery to repair the ulnar nerve in his elbow in September.
- Steven Matz: Had surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow in September.
- Zack Wheeler: Hasn't pitched since 2014 due to Tommy John surgery and subsequent setbacks.
Veterans innings eater Bartolo Colon signed with the division rival Braves this offseason. Both deGrom and Matz are expected to be healthy in time for spring training, and it appears Harvey will be as well. Those three plus Syndergaard and either Seth Lugo or Robert Gsellman will make up the club's rotation going in 2017.
After re-signing Yoenis Cespedes earlier this winter, the Mets reportedly have to shed salary before making any other moves this offseason. They're said to be in the market for bullpen help more than anything.
