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Playing it safe: Mets won't start Harvey on short rest

Noah K. Murray / USA TODAY Sports

After careful consideration, The Dark Knight won't return to the mound on short rest.

The New York Mets announced Monday that beleaguered right-hander Matt Harvey would start in Wednesday's series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies after only three days off. Instead, the team has pushed his start back to its regularly scheduled spot on Thursday, according to the New York Post's Greg Joyce.

Gathering storm clouds may have played a part in manager Terry Collins' decision.

"(Pitching coach Dan Warthen) and I and (general manager) Sandy (Alderson) talked about it and we had possible weather issues popping up and we certainly don't want that to be a factor so we just said we'll push it back," Collins said.

He's adamant, however, that the move has nothing to do with health or the fact that it would have been Harvey's first-ever start on three days' rest.

"We don't think there's a significant medical risk to him at this point," he said. "His success or failure is more about his velocity, command, and getting his confidence on the mound back."

No replacement has been announced for Wednesday.

Harvey made his first start since June 14 on Saturday against the Houston Astros. He lasted only two innings, allowing seven earned runs on eight base hits. It took him 70 pitches to navigate the short outing.

The season hasn't been kind to Harvey. His shoulder was described as "totally atrophied," he partied to the point of missing curfew and was subsequently suspended by the team, and was reportedly distraught after seeing his ex with New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman.

His play on the field has also resulted in the worst line of his career. It's perhaps easy to forget how dominant Harvey was in 2013 and 2015, when he went 22-13 with a 2.50 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP over 55 starts. And that's with a lost season due to injury lodged in the middle.

Harvey will look to rebound Thursday night against the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

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