Mets don't expect swelling, soreness to stop Matt Harvey from next start

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His shoulder has more swelling than anticipated but the New York Mets are mostly optimistic Matt Harvey can pitch in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series if necessary.

Two days after he was struck by a Dexter Fowler line drive, Harvey reported to Wrigley Field for Monday’s workout and received treatment on his right shoulder. Though the Game 1 winning pitcher has experienced discomfort and swelling, Harvey played catch Monday and the Mets don’t seem too concerned he would miss Thursday’s start - at least not for now.

“He's pretty sore and pretty swelled up,” Mets manager Terry Collins said. “He, as we sit here today, is a go. But that could certainly change in next couple of days.

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“I was pretty surprised at how swelled up it was yesterday. So we certainly are going to keep a really close eye on it the next couple of days.”

A 13-game winner in the regular season, Harvey thrived even after he was struck by Fowler’s line drive, striking out nine in 7 2/3 innings for the Mets in a 4-2 victory.

Harvey told The Star-Ledger he feels good and expects to pitch if the series extends to a fifth game on Thursday.

Pitching coach Dan Warthen said Harvey is in great spirits. Warthen isn’t concerned about Harvey missing his next turn.

“Matt is on board 100 percent,” Warthen said. “Ever since that incident he wants to pitch, he wants to pitch when it’s his turn. He wants to finish this season.

“He’s ready to go. I don’t foresee any problems with Matt going out there and pitching.”

Collins said Tuesday is the critical day as Harvey is set to throw off the mound.

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The Mets, who plan to start Steven Matz in Game 4, would further explore their options depending upon how Harvey feels then. The team’s other options include veterans Bartolo Colon and Jon Niese, both of whom have pitched in relief in the postseason.

If we need to put a spot starter in there, we certainly have them,” Collins said. “When you have swelling, it doesn't matter how big it is, it's just there. Anytime you have swelling, it leads to stiffness. So as stiff as he was (Sunday), we're going to be careful.”

We'll just have to see how he is. I think the big time will be (Tuesday), because that would be a day that he wants to throw anyways, so we'll have to make our judgments how he feels after (Tuesday).”

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