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Matt Harvey's opening-day start for Mets in doubt

Matt Harvey is dealing with an undisclosed non-baseball medical issue that could see him miss opening day for the New York Mets.

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New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey's opening-day status could be in jeopardy.

The 27-year-old is dealing with an undisclosed medical issue that could force him to relinquish his opening-day start against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Harvey notified the Mets of his symptoms early on Monday and was scratched from his final Grapefruit League start against the Miami Marlins as the team await an explanation from doctors.

"It's a non-baseball medical issue that we have to address," general manager Sandy Alderson said after Monday's 3-1 loss to the St Louis Cardinals, via MLB.com.

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"It came up this morning as far as I know. There will be some follow-up tests and consultation that will take place over the next couple of days.

"I think it's a little early to attach any level of concern. We need to wait for more medical information before we decide if it's of concern, or grave concern, or no concern."

If Harvey is not 100 per cent, the Mets could face a difficult decision.

The team are hesitant to start Jacob deGrom in Kansas City, as his wife is due with the couple's first child on April 5, and Noah Syndergaard is already slated to appear in the Mets' second game.

"It's hard to say right now," manager Terry Collins said. "I don't know just yet. Certainly what I do know, we're very lucky to have the pitching that we've got. In case he can't go, we'll have someone else ready.

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"It is mysterious. But I'm not at liberty to discuss it right now. I wouldn't assume anything until we hear from the doctors."

Harvey, who turned 27 on Sunday, earned $614,125 in 2015 and dodged arbitration by agreeing to a $4.325million deal for this season.

He went 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA in 189.1 innings last year in his first season back from Tommy John surgery.

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