Matt Harvey could pitch in Arizona Fall League, Mets GM says

Mets GM Sandy Alderson says that Matt Harvey could potentially rehab in the Arizona Fall League. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) All-Star starter Matt Harvey

Mets GM Sandy Alderson says that Matt Harvey could potentially rehab in the Arizona Fall League. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

All-Star starter Matt Harvey could pitch in the Arizona Fall League later this year to determine whether he can avoid Tommy John surgery, New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Monday, according to ESPN New York's Adam Rubin.

Harvey will undertake a rehab and throwing program over the next six to eight weeks on his partially torn elbow ligament to see if he can avoid a surgical procedure, which would likely keep him out all of next season.

The Arizona Fall League begins play on Oct. 8. However, it's not exactly clear if Harvey is eligible to participate in AFL games. According to the AFL eligibility rules, "no players with more than one year of credited Major League service as of Aug. 31 are eligible."

Harvey has started 36 games over parts of two seasons with the Mets. He last pitched on Aug. 24. In 2012, he made his debut on July 26.

I suppose Sandy Alderson would know if it's allowable. He told reporters Matt Harvey may test elbow pitching in the Arizona Fall League.

— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) September 23, 2013