Collins: Mets might skip Harvey's next turn

Matt Harvey's struggles continued Thursday against the Washington Nationals and his next turn in the starting rotation is in doubt.

New York Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters he's not committed to letting the struggling right-hander make his next start after the worst performance of the pitcher's big-league career.

"We're going to take a look - is that best for him, is that best for us?" Collins said. "We're not going to commit to anything at this time. But I will tell you, as I sit here today, I'd certainly trust him. I certainly believe in him. I hadn't seen him struggle like this before. But that guy that pitched tonight for them (Stephen Strasburg), he had a couple of mediocre years and now he's resurged."

Harvey was rocked for nine runs in 2 2/3 innings by the Washington Nationals and was booed by Citi Field fans upon exiting Thursday's game.

The 27-year-old has not looked like the pitcher of old, allowing more hits (65) than innings pitched (48 1/3) while his ERA has risen to a career-worst 5.77.

Harvey's only wins have come against the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and San Diego Padres, who all sit last in their respective divisions, and the hurler isn't sure why he's been pitching so poorly.

Asked if it was a confidence issue, Harvey told reporters, "I don't know. At this point, I have no idea."

If Harvey were to miss his next start, New York could use Logan Verrett, who pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless ball against the Nationals, in his place.