The 25-year-old continues to progress in his recovery from the procedure that sidelined him for all of 2014.
Much of the Mets' fortunes this season hinge on Matt Harvey's recovery from the Tommy John surgery he had in October 2013 that shut him down for all of 2014. He is apparently ready to take the next step, confirming to the media today that he will face hitters late this week, something he hasn't done since undergoing the procedure.
Harvey threw a bullpen session Sunday. He likely will repeat that effort Tuesday before advancing to facing hitters...
"The main thing is really just focusing on the timing of things," Harvey said of throwing batting practice. "Obviously we’re still a couple of weeks away from game situations. So really getting a hitter in there is just getting the view of having somebody in the box again and getting used to that again."
Although the 25-year-old looks to be progressing in his recovery and is anxious to get back to full force, the Mets are still sure to be cautious in working him back into a regular routine. They'll do everything they can to mitigate the risk of his elbow becoming re-injured and having his progress set back that much more. Still, seeing him take his place alongside Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler is something Mets fans have been anticipating for some time.
Harvey hasn't thrown in a major league game since August 24, 2013, when he went 6.2 innings and gave up two runs on thirteen hits, struck out four, and walked none in a 3-0 loss to the Tigers.