Matt Harvey Suffers Partial UCL Tear: Mets' Pitcher Could Need Tommy John Surgery

Mets' Ace Out, Might Need Surgery
New York Mets manager Terry Collins (10) relieves pitcher Matt Harvey (33) after Harvey allowed three runs during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins-, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013 in Miami. The Marlins defeated the Mets 3-0. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
New York Mets manager Terry Collins (10) relieves pitcher Matt Harvey (33) after Harvey allowed three runs during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins-, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013 in Miami. The Marlins defeated the Mets 3-0. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey's breakout season has taken a turn for the worse. Harvey suffered a partial tear of the UCL in his right elbow, as first reported by Mike Francesa of WFAN in New York. Mets GM Sandy Alderson confirmed the injury during a press conference at Citi Field.

"The MRI has shown a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Matt will in all likelihood be placed on the DL," Alderson told reporters at a press conference on Monday. "We can't rule out the possibility of surgery. This surprised all of us, including Matt himself."

If surgery were needed to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, it would be of the Tommy John variety, according to various reports.

The Mets' 24-year-old started the All-Star Game for the National League at Citi Field in July and pitched most recently in a 3-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. He allowed a career-high 13 hits in the defeat and fell to 9-5 on the season.

"I didn't feel a snap. I didn't feel a pop," Harvey said during the press conference after Alderson and Mets manager Terry Collins spoke. "There was no, like I said, no tingling or anything like that. Just some tightness in my forearm. That's why it was a big shock to me."

Alderson confirmed that surgery could be needed to repair the damage to the most important arm in the organization if rest does not suffice. While the ultimate course of treatment has yet to be determined, the Mets do not expect Harvey to pitch again this season.

"We're not going to do anything to jeopardize Matt's future with the Mets," Alderson assured reporters. "I leave that possibility open only as a technical matter. I wouldn't expect him to pitch the rest of the season. "

For his part, Harvey indicated he wanted to avoid surgery if possible.

"I'm going to do everything I can so I don't have to get surgery," Harvey said. "If the pain continues or gets worse, something will have to get done."

Despite Alderson's statement about Harvey's future and the pitcher's own determination to avoid going under the knife, the outlook around the team was understandably bleak on Monday.

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