Harvey takes big step in right direction

NEW YORK — The real Matt Harvey re-emerged on a Memorial Day Monday afternoon at Citi Field, sparing the Mets a least that little bit of anxiety moving forward.

The defending National League champions are already playing without their regular first baseman (Lucas Duda), third baseman (David Wright) and are back in the offensive doldrums.

But there is good news. All the recent angst about the 27-year-old right-hander seemed to dissipate in seven innings of two-hit, shutout ball as the Mets squeezed by the White Sox, 1-0, on the strength of Neil Walker’s 12th home run.

Harvey is by no means over the hump, he and his manager Terry Collins said after the game. But there certainly was major progress.

“I think this is a first step,” Harvey said. “Obviously what I did here today isn’t going to mean anything if I don’t continue it the next time I pitch and stay with what I’ve been working on. It’s a work in progress. I’m just happy I was able to go out there and feel comfortable in my mechanics and get the job done.”

Duda is out for at least six weeks with a stress fracture in his lower back. And the Mets will know more about Wright’s condition after he sees a doctor on Tuesday. But it doesn’t sound good. Wright hasn’t played since Friday night against the Dodgers because of persistent neck pain.

Collins said he’s concerned that the team’s captain could again land on the disabled list. Wright missed four months last season after learning he had spinal stenosis in his lower back, a chronic problem he will have to deal with for the rest of his life. Collins said the two injuries are unrelated, but you never know.

One thing Collins does know: “I know this guy plays with a lot of discomfort. He always has. And when he can’t play, he’s hurt,” the manager said. “So I’m concerned about it.”

Collins has been equally concerned …

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