The one question Mets fans the world over wanted the answer to following Matt Harvey's visit to esteemed orthopedist Dr. James Andrews was: "Surgery or no surgery?"
The answer, according to CBS.com reporter Jon Heyman is "no surgery." At least for now.
The diagnosis apparently was positive enough that Harvey is expected to try rehab for now, then begin a throwing program in 1-2 months. Surgery remains a possibility, depending on how the rehab and throwing go.
Harvey traveled down to Florida on Monday to see Dr. Andrews and presumably get his opinion on what to do with the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. Harvey found out about the injury three weeks ago and Mets fans have been waiting on pins and needles in anticipation of the fateful decision by the pitcher and his doctors.
Have Tommy John surgery, and Harvey almost certainly won't pitch in a major league game until 2015. Rehab the ligament, and Harvey could be wasting a lot of time if he ends up needing the surgery anyway.
While the majority of pitchers to suffer a torn elbow ligament have undergone Tommy John surgery, there are notable exceptions—such as Phillies All-Star Roy Halladay—who have enjoyed successful careers without getting the operation done.
Harvey is reportedly hoping that the road less taken in the correct one for him. Mets fans could be in for a winter of constant fear and/or cautious optimism.