New York Mets: Noah Syndergaard Could Make Relief Appearance
By Tj Porreca
After getting ejected on Saturday for throwing behind Dodgers’ second baseman Chase Utley, Mets’ right hander Noah Syndergaard may pitch in relief before his next start.
New York Mets hard throwing right hander Noah Syndergaard was tossed on Saturday night when he threw behind Los Angeles Dodgers’ second baseman Chase Utley in an act of retaliation for Utley’s hard slide in the 2015 NLDS. While Utley’s slide has been debated, it wasn’t all that surprising to see the Mets retaliate. Syndergaard’s act, and the subsequent ejection, did create a bit of a change of plans for the Mets, though.
At the time of his ejection, Syndergaard had thrown just 34 pitches over 2.1 innings. That’s a pretty light workload, and Syndergaard took to Twitter to say he is, “fresh” and could be available out of the bullpen if necessary.
I'm fresh. Can be available from pen. Just saying. #LGM
— Noah Syndergaard (@Noahsyndergaard) May 29, 2016
Along those same lines, Mets manager Terry Collins said the team has in fact discussed the possibility. “We’re talking about possibly using him Tuesday, if we need any (innings) out of the bullpen, Collins said. “Because he’s still going to make his start on Friday.”
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The Mets are off on Thursday, and then open up a three game series at the Miami Marlins on Friday. Syndergaard is set to pitch the series opener, but he may take the hill before then. On Tuesday, Steven Matz is starting for the Mets when they host the Chicago White Sox. If things go awry, though, Syndergaard could get the call out of the bullpen.
Saturday’s game against the Dodgers was only the second time this season Syndergaard threw less than 6 innings. On May 1, against the San Francisco Giants, Syndergaard completed 5.2 innings. In four of his starts, he threw 7 innings, and on May 11 against the Dodgers, he threw a season high 8 innings.
Coming off of just 2.1 innings on Saturday, it seems Syndergaard will be ready if the Mets need him. And considering the sheer amount of velocity Syndergaard brings, along with his control, Syndergaard could be an extremely effective piece out of the bullpen. Syndergaard has faced 242 batters this season, and walked just 9.
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If Syndergaard does come out of the bullpen for an appearance, it will be the first time he’s done so in the Major Leagues during the regular season. Syndergaard did make an appearance out of the bullpen during the 2015 playoffs, and, somewhat ironically, that came against the Dodgers. Syndergaard, one of the Mets’ many talented starters, is 5-2 on the 2016 season, with a 1.87 ERA, and a 1.69 FIP in 10 starts.