Mets GM lays out plan for pitcher Matt Harvey

Sandy Alderson, general manager of the New York Mets, said Monday he expects that Matt Harvey won’t pitch beyond the range of 180 innings in the regular season unless needed in the final series in early October.

As for the postseason, Harvey’s availability will depend partly on how he is used down the stretch by the National League East leaders. Alderson said the plan is not yet final.

“Let me get into detail after we’ve sort of worked it out among the parties,� Alderson said. “I don’t want to get ahead of the situation and create another disconnect.�

Harvey has pitched 166 1/3 innings in his first season since elbow ligament-replacement surgery and is 12-7 with a 2.60 earned-run average. He is scheduled to start against Washington on Tuesday.

On Saturday, Harvey said he was advised by the surgeon not to pitch beyond 180 innings, putting his postseason availability in doubt. On Sunday, Harvey wrote on The Players’ Tribune website that he would definitely pitch in the postseason, and that he and the Mets would work out a compromise to ensure his availability.

Marlins’ Jose Fernandez expects to pitch Saturday

Jose Fernandez, who hasn’t pitched for the Miami Marlins since suffering a strained biceps on his right arm during a start against the Atlanta Braves on Aug. 7, threw a 75-pitch simulated game.

Fernandez, who’s 4-0 with a 2.30 ERA in seven starts since coming back from elbow ligament-replacement surgery, said he was aiming to pitch against Washington on Saturday.

Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber feels sore rib is improving

Slugging catcher Kyle Schwarber no longer feels any tightness around his once-sore right rib and the Chicago Cubs have not ruled out his return before a three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals concludes Wednesday.

However, Schwarber said the delicacy of the area makes it difficult to predict when he’ll be fully healed.