WASHINGTON - The New York Mets haven't abandoned the notion of using right-hander Matt Harvey during a late-season push for the playoffs.

Harvey entered Tuesday night's game against the Nationals having pitched 166 1-3 innings this season. The 26-year-old is coming off elbow ligament replacement surgery, and there is some question how he will be used — if at all — after this outing.

Harvey's agent, Scott Boras, said Friday that the pitcher should not exceed 180 innings, under orders from Dr. James Andrews, who performed the Tommy John operation.

The Mets are being careful with Harvey, but manager Terry Collins said Tuesday: "If the last series of the season means us getting in or out and Matt Harvey needs to pitch, he's pitching. That'll be his playoff. That'll be the biggest game he has to pitch. He said he'll pitch. I believe him."