RHP Dillon Gee has been hospitalized with numbness in the fingers of his throwing hand, according to Adam Rubin and multiple sources in the Mets organization.

Manager Terry Collins said Gee is due to undergo an angiogram.

“They aren’t sure what it is yet,” Collins said.

According to Rubin, “A teammate said the issue was believed to be blood-related in Gee’s shoulder. Another member of the organization said Gee was admitted to the hospital Monday and underwent an MRI.”

Bobby Parnell had a similar malady early last year, and had to spend time on the DL.  This type of issue is usually related to a circulatory problem.

Gee was scheduled to pitch the first game after the All-Star Break in place of Johan Santana, who is already nursing a bum ankle that was hit by a batted ball he hurt covering first.

With Gee potentially on track to miss that start, and Santana already hurt, the stalwart Mets rotation suddenly seems a little unstable.  It’s too early to tell what impact this episode is going to have on Gee’s spot in the rotation, but the Mets may need some reinforcements sooner than later.  It may be time for another spot start by Miguel Batista.  Or it may be time for the dawn of the Matt Harvey Era.

Harvey has pitched well for the Buffalo Bisons, and is chomping at the bit to prove himself in the majors.  Harvey is 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA, .234 BA against, and 102 Ks in 98.1 innings.

The Mets may balk at bringing him up after only 98 innings at Triple-A.  The Alderson regime has been cautious with its most prized prospects, which is the right approach.  The Mets are playing competitive baseball in 2012, but the focus of this team is on 2013 and 2014, as it has been since the offseason.

But it all depends on Gee’s status coming out of the All-Star break.

Update (12:05PM): According to Mike Kerwick, Gee will not make his next start.  Chris Schwinden, anyone?

Update (12:18PM): According to Adam Rubin, Doctors found a clot in an artery in his right shoulder.  Sounds like it could have been a lot worse than just numbness in his fingers.  Doctors cleared the clot with a catheter.  Fortunately, Dillon’s OK.

Update (12:24PM): Gee will be placed on the DL.  Here is the Mets’ official statement:

“On Sunday, Dillon Gee complained of numbness in the fingers of his right hand. Yesterday, after extensive testing, Dillon was found to have a clot in an artery in his right shoulder and doctors at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City used a catheter to break up the clot. Dillon will remain hospitalized for the next day or two to ensure that the clot is fully resolved. Dillon will not make his next start and will be placed on the disabled list. The timing of his return to baseball activity is currently undetermined.”