Upbeat Harvey set for start

PORT ST. LUCIE — The last time Matt Harvey pitched in a game, the results were what the Mets saw all too often from him in 2016.

He was pounded for six runs on 11 hits in 3 2/3 innings against the Marlins. Two days later, he was placed on the disabled list and eventually diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome that led to season-ending surgery.

Harvey and the Mets are looking for something far different Sunday, when the right-hander finally returns to the mound to face the Cardinals at First Data Field.

“Last season was kind of a struggle,” Harvey said Saturday. “Obviously, I want to help this team and contribute as much as I can and that starts [Sunday]. I couldn’t feel better. … I feel like I’m throwing the ball the way I want to.”

That’s good news for manager Terry Collins, but both he and Harvey know the righty has experience coming back from injury — and it didn’t go smoothly.

Harvey fought the Mets about returning from Tommy John surgery sooner than they were ready in 2014.

“I don’t want him to overthrow it,” Collins said. “Just get in a rhythm and throw strikes. … I don’t know what his thought process is. I know he feels good about where he is and I want him to carry it into [Sunday].”

Harvey is confident this time will be different.

“I definitely feel a lot more relaxed than I did that time,” Harvey said. “Tommy John was a full year. I felt like I was kind of over-ready. I had a normal offseason this time.”

Harvey is as curious as anyone to see how he feels. But he will take his chances with how he has felt so far.

“There were still times where there was some discomfort and I had to throw around things last year,” Harvey said. “It’s nice to be able to throw the way I remember and have my whole life.”