After limiting Matt Harvey during the final month of the season, the Mets will likely throw him just once during the NLDS.
General manager Sandy Alderson said the team's ace will start Game 3 of the divisional playoff series with Jacob deGrom starting the opener and rookie Noah Syndergaard likely toeing the rubber in Game 2.
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"Game 3 is an important game," Alderson said, via ESPN. "It doesn’t matter whether up 2-0 or down 0-2 or 1-1, it’s a big game."
Harvey missed all of 2014 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October of 2013. The Mets have been cautious with him down the stretch, but the 26-year-old is anxious to break free of any restraint.
The NL East champs seek their 90th win of the season Wednesday night against the Phillies with Logan Verrett, who has subbed twice for Harvey, getting the start.
Manager Terry Collins said when Harvey, an All-Star in 2013, does pitch in the postseason, he will do so without limitations.
"When he goes out and pitches, the reins will be off," Collins said. "We can't pitch him six times."