New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey has been placed on the disabled list. According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, he might actually miss the rest of the season.
Matt Harvey has been diagnosed with "symptoms consistent with thoracic outlet syndrome" and is considering season-ending surgery. #Mets
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 7, 2016
One natural question comes to mind. What exactly is “thoracic outlet syndrome?”
“Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition whereby symptoms are produced from compression of nerves or blood vessels, or both, because of an inadequate passageway through an area (thoracic outlet) between the base of the neck and the armpit,” per William C. Shiel Jr., Medicinenet.com.
That certainly has to be taken seriously. If that’s not treated properly, it could have lasting implications on Harvey that go beyond his pitching career.
From a baseball perspective, this is certainly another blow to Harvey in what’s already been a miserable season. His performance has been well below expectations. While a trip to the DL isn’t the worst thing in the world, it’s hard to find anything positive from season-ending surgery, should that happen.
Remember, Harvey already missed all of 2014 with Tommy John surgery. He did come back well from that, but this would be two serious injuries in what’s still a young career.
Harvey should certainly take the steps to get healthy. Still, it’s hard to see how this would be a good thing for his career as a pitcher.