Mets pitcher Matt Harvey delays elbow surgery, opts for rehab

NEW YORK, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- New York Mets pitching ace Matt Harvey will delay elbow ligament replacement surgery and instead plans to keep working to rehab his arm, the team said Tuesday.

The decision to have Harvey begin a 6-to-8-week throwing program rather than immediately undergo "Tommy John" surgery was made after a consultation with renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

Tests last month revealed a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in Harvey's pitching elbow.

Surgery would have ruled the 24-year-old right-hander out for the 2014 season, but with a successful rehab, he could be back on the mound next year.

He went 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA and 191 strikeouts over 26 starts this season, his second in the major leagues.