Matt Harvey’s mystery ailment revealed: blood clots in his bladder

(AP Photo) Breathe a big sigh of relief Mets fans: it appears Matt Harvey will make the opening day start for the New York Mets after all, but it sure doesn’t sound like his last few days have been very much fun.

News broke Monday that Harvey’s status for New York’s opener Sunday against the Kansas City Royals was in doubt. However, the Mets weren’t being specific about what would potentially keep the 27-year-old right-hander off the mound, except to say it wasn’t arm, shoulder or elbow related.

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Well, it turns out Harvey’s been dealing with a bladder infection that led to a blood clot in his bladder. After a couple days of discomfort and discovering blood in his urine, the clot passed and he was given the all clear to return to work.

According to the New York Daily News, Harvey arrived at the Mets spring training home in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Tuesday “looking tired and pale,” and was still wearing his hospital bracelet. The expectation is that he’ll be feeling better in no time, as the plan is for him to pitch a couple innings in a Grapefruit League game Wednesday as his final preparation for the opening night assignment.

How did Harvey end up with a blood clot in his bladder, anyway? He says the infection was caused by not taking enough trips to the washroom.