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Harvey 'feeling great' after July surgery

Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The "Dark Knight" is ready to contribute to the 2017 New York Mets.

After going through an excruciating 2016 campaign that ended prematurely due to season-ending surgery in July, Matt Harvey is hoping to recapture his All-Star form.

"I'd like to think so. Obviously I don't have a crystal ball," he said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin. "The way things are feeling now, the way the body feels, I'm feeling great."

After posting a 2.71 ERA in 2015 - while pitching a career-high 216 innings, the most in MLB history in the first season after Tommy John surgery - Harvey recorded a disappointing 4-10 record and 4.86 ERA in 2016 over just 92 2/3 innings.

It was also revealed that Harvey was experiencing numbness in his fingers - due to thoracic outlet syndrome - which he says is improving with time after surgery.

"My hand was really cold all the time," he said. "I've got some warmth back and no more tingling. The ball is coming out really good right now, especially for December."

Harvey wasn't the only Mets pitcher to undergo surgery, though. Overall, five pitchers on the roster underwent some type of procedure last year.

Jacob deGrom underwent surgery in September to reposition the ulnar nerve in his pitching elbow, while Steven Matz had surgery in October to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow.

Right-hander Robert Gsellman needed surgery this offseason to repair a torn labrum, and Zack Wheeler is still out after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2015.

For his part, Harvey believes he's on track to overcome his issues by opening day.

"I'm feeling great," Harvey said. "My workouts are going well. I'm just looking forward to getting down to spring training and having a good time. Obviously being healthy through spring training and getting to the season and continuing to be healthy through the season is a big plus for me and something I'm looking forward to doing.

"As far as the offseason goes, I'm right where I want to be."

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