Following the news that Mets ace Matt Harvey will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, general manager Sandy Alderson spoke to the press. Marc Carig of Newsday tweeted many of the details.
Per Carig, Alderson said that Harvey changed his mind over time once he became less emotional about the decision. Alderson also emphasized that he tried to keep some distance from Harvey so he wouldn't interfere with Harvey's choice.
The Mets are targeting spring training in 2015 for Harvey's return, though they realize every player is unique and there's no such thing as a definite timetable with the surgery. That's a reasonable approach for the Mets, who would likely be very happily surprised if Harvey were to be ready in September 2014, but the team definitely isn't counting on that.
As for the Mets' 2014 rotation, Alderson acknowledges that there are two openings and isn't comfortable filling those spots from within the organization. Our own Chris Strohmaier took a look at what the Mets could do in Harvey's now-definite absence next year, and Alderson indicated it's possible, but not likely, that pitchers like Noah Syndergaard or Jacob deGrom could make the team's Opening Day roster.