Matt Harvey: Dealing With "Dead Arm"

Harvey could be dealing with a case of "dead arm" according to manager Terry Collins, Sports Illustrated reports.

Analysis:

Harvey endured one of the poorest starts of his career last Saturday, allowing seven earned runs over just four innings, including two walks and two wild pitches. It now appears fatigue may have come into play, as manager Terry Collins noted "It looks like he might be going through some of that dead arm stuff that sometimes happens." Fortunately for Harvey and the Mets, a built-in day off is on the schedule Thursday, allowing Harvey a fifth day of rest before taking the mound Friday against the Marlins. Several Mets writers, including Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, believe that the issue isn't serious, and this is merely a minor road bump in a long season. However, if the issue resurfaces, Collins may be forced to find the occasional extra day of rest for his ace. One strategy being used will be to deploy a six-man starting rotation, beginning when Dillon Gee (groin) is activated in early June.