NEW YORK (AP) – Matt Harvey has symptoms consistent with thoracic outlet syndrome, and the New York Mets star could be facing season-ending surgery to treat a serious condition that has jeopardized the career of other major league pitchers.
General manager Sandy Alderson announced the diagnosis Thursday after Harvey was examined in St. Louis by a specialist, Dr. Robert Thompson. Alderson says a decision on surgery is likely to come in the next few days before the All-Star break.
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition caused by the compression of nerves, blood vessels or both in the area between the neck and armpit. After his most recent start on Monday, a struggling Harvey complained of some common symptoms – which include numbness in fingers and shoulder discomfort.
He was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, retroactive to Tuesday.