Mets fans’ hopes for their first NL East division crown since 2015 took a blow Thursday morning when reports surfaced that star right hander Noah Syndergaard suffered a setback in his rehab start earlier this week. Syndergaard was removed from his 2nd rehab appearance for Class A St. Lucie on Tuesday for what was thought to be precautionary measures. However further tests showed right elbow inflammation and the organization was forced to shut him down for additional rest.
Syndergaard had been out since March of 2020 recovering from Tommy John surgery. The former All-Star had been on track to join the Mets rotation in mid to late June, however this latest setback has now pushed Noah’s return to August at the earliest. Manager Luis Rojas told reporters “It’s big. We were just counting on him being here a month from now. This happening is tough. … We pray he can pitch for us this year.”
That final line of “we pray he can pitch for us this year” is likely what will stick out to most Mets fans, as Syndergaard missed all of last year recovering from surgery, and is now suddenly in doubt to take the mound at all in 2021. Further complicating matters is the fact that Noah is scheduled to become a free agent after this year. Meaning that there’s an outside chance fans never see Syndergaard in a Mets uniform again.
Luckily, the team confirmed that there was no structural damage to their hard throwing hurler’s surgically repaired UCL. So while the Mets may get some late season reinforcements to their rotation for the homestretch, fans and players alike were definitely hoping to see Thor back on the bump in a few weeks time. For now, the Mets maintain a 1.5 game lead over the Braves and Marlins despite having the fewest runs scored in all of baseball, and owning the worst RF/RA differential of any divisional leader in the majors.
That, coupled with sky high expectations from fans amidst new ownership and flashy off season signings, is enough to wonder how much longer the Mets can hold onto their precarious lead atop the NL East. So while Syndergaard may not officially be out for the season, fans and pundits alike are left wondering if the Mets will still be in the playoff mix when he’s finally cleared medically to return to game action. Just another typical year in Queens for the Mets faithful.