Harvey: Mechanical issues keep popping into my head

Just when it seemed like Matt Harvey was back on track, the right-hander's past two starts have proven otherwise, and mechanical issues may be the reason to blame.

After allowing four earned runs on seven hits to the lowly Atlanta Braves last week, the "Dark Knight" had the chance to avenge himself Thursday in a rematch, but it didn't go as well as he hoped.

The New York Mets hurler allowed two runs on eight hits across six innings in a no-decision and cited a breakdown in his mechanics once again; an issue he's struggled with both physically and mentally all season.

"It's mostly a mechanical thing," Harvey told reporters. "Obviously it's been a struggle mechanically pretty much all year. I'd say it's one of those starts where I really had to battle kind of the whole time. It's tough. We've got to flush this start and keep moving forward."

After beginning the season horrendously, posting a 6.08 ERA entering May 30, Harvey turned things around for a three-start stretch where he allowed two earned runs on eight hits in 20 innings of work. Something changed in his mechanics against Atlanta, however, and the flaws may have made their way into Harvey's head.

"When you're out there, the last thing you want to think about is your mechanics," he said. "For some reason this year it's been popping into my head, and just pitch for pitch doesn't feel the same. It's one of those things I've got to battle through and keep pushing forward. We're going to do that next start."

Harvey, who has never posted an ERA above three in his career, has had it balloon to 4.64 this season to go along with a record of 4-9.