After an intentional walk to Matt Kemp, Collins visited the left-handed Rice on the mound.

WSJ: Hefner pitches well, Mets beaten late by Dodgers

"That was certainly not the Matt Harvey that we know and accustomed to seeing, " Mets manager Terry Collins said.

WSJ: Harvey struggles in Mets' 11-6 loss to Marlins

Collins' other option Sunday was to skip Niese's spot in the rotation and have Matt Harvey remain on schedule.

WSJ: Niese walks 6 as Mets lose to Braves 9-4

Mets manager Terry Collins said Hefner will be the team's No. 4 starter behind Jonathon Niese, Matt Harvey and Dillon Gee, and that the final spot is a question mark.

WSJ: Kozma hits slam, leads Wainwright, Cards over Mets