Matt Harvey is headed to the disabled list and could miss the rest of the season if the ominous short-term prognosis is proven true Thursday in St. Louis.
Harvey, 4-10 this season with a 4.60 ERA, officially was listed as having shoulder discomfort. But he's headed to a thoracic specialist with the possibility of a blood clot or thoracic outlet syndrome, which would be a season-ending diagnosis.
Ten losses represent a career-high for Harvey.
Harvey, 27, was considered for a demotion earlier this season when he struggled to winless start.
Harvey is headed to St. Louis to visit vascular specialist Dr. Robert Thompson, the Mets said.
Seth Lugo, a right-handed pitcher, was recalled from Las Vegas and Logan Verrett could start when Harvey's turn in the rotation comes up Saturday against the Washington Nationals. Harvey allowed 11 hits in his last start.
The Mets have worrisome health matters with two other starting pitchers in their stellar rotation. Steven Matz and Noah Syndergaard experiencing bone spurs. Matz pitched well in a loss to the Marlins on Tuesday and is attempting to pitch through mild discomfort. Syndergaard, who could start the All-Star Game, left his June 27 start early but was dominant last week against the Chicago Cubs.
