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Boras expects Harvey to be ready for spring training

Steve Mitchell / Reuters

It's been close to three months since New York Mets right-hander Matt Harvey underwent surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome, a disorder which numbed the 2013 All-Star's throwing arm and fingers.

Harvey's agent, Scott Boras, provided an update about his client's recovery Wednesday, and the news was good.

Boras told MLB.com's Anthony DiComo he expected Harvey to be back to 100 percent and ready to pitch in spring training.

"You kind of rely on the doctors here, and the doctor was extremely positive about the results of what he found when he did the operation, and the relief that he gave Matt," Boras explained. "It was really just a nerve compression. He didn't have sensation (in his fingers). And so clearly, the procedure allowed that relief where the nerve is now free and he should have full feeling in his hand.

"This is not like a Tommy John, where you have a ligament issue. It's really about relief of nerve compression. So you get a little bit more of a higher probability rate on those kinds of things."

The July operation involved the removal of a rib to free compressed nerves going from the pitcher's shoulder to his armpit. Afterward, Harvey said he felt a "big relief."

Harvey was unlike the pitcher of old during 17 starts earlier this season, going 4-10 with a 4.86 ERA. Prior to 2016, he was one member of the Mets' dominant starting rotation, never posting an ERA over three and striking out more than a hitter per nine innings.

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