Mets ace Matt Harvey updates his recovery from Tommy John surgery

Mets ace Matt Harvey helps collect donated coats with Mr Met before updating his recovery from Tommy John surgery during a press conference at Citi Field. 12/3/14 Flushing, NY (John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

He's baaaaaaack.

Matt Harvey made his long-awaited return to the Mets Monday, arriving in Port St. Lucie, Fla., well ahead of the club's spring training reporting date for pitchers and catchers.

Harvey missed all of 2014 rehabilitating after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October the previous year. The 25-year-old is expected to be the ace of an already formidable rotation, which includes Zach Wheeler, 2014 NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom and top prospect Noah Syndergaard.

The Mets have already said they expect to go slowly with Harvey. They want their former first-round pick and All-Star to make his first start at their home opener, skipping what would be his first regularly scheduled appearance.

See photos of Harvey's return today below.

It's snowing in NYC this morning but Spring Training is coming! @MattHarvey33 arrived in Port St. Lucie today. pic.twitter.com/qZeGAotPA4 — New York Mets (@Mets) February 9, 2015

Harveymania is alive! Best shape of his life, no doubt. pic.twitter.com/M7qkkQmGbH — Anthony McCarron (@AnthonyMcCarron) February 9, 2015

Harvey and deGrom after a sprint pic.twitter.com/bGwhlJDVij — Anthony McCarron (@AnthonyMcCarron) February 9, 2015

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ.