Mets' Syndergaard Scratched From Start, Dealing With 'Tired Arm'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Here's another headache the slumping Mets could have lived without.
Ace Noah Syndergaard is dealing with "a tired arm" and has been scratched from his scheduled Thursday start against the Braves, manager Terry Collins announced. Collins said the issue is likely tendinitis in Syndergaard's biceps.
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For the second week in a row, Matt Harvey is filling in on short notice. A stiff neck forced the Mets to push Jacob deGrom's scheduled start last Friday back a day, moving Harvey up in the rotation.
Collins said Syndergaard is expected to be available against Washington this weekend and likely will not go on the disabled list. The manager, however, cautioned that any decision will be made after Syndergaard is evaluated by doctors.
Syndergaard said his biceps became irritated a few days ago and he took anti-inflammatory medication.
"Woke up the next day feeling good as new," he said. "Played catch yesterday, felt great, and it kind of stiffens up when it gets cold. I couldn't really lift my arm above my shoulder at that point. Right now it's just a precautionary thing that we're dealing with."
Collins said it made sense to be prudent.
"Due to what's happened the last couple of days with him after he's cooled down, we cannot take a chance on him," he said. "Especially when you're talking about anything that runs into the shoulder to where he changes his delivery."
Syndergaard (1-1) has been stellar through four starts this season. He has a 1.73 ERA while striking out 30 batters and walking none. A blister on the right-hander's middle finger, however, forced him out of two starts early.
The Mets have lost five in a row and nine of their last 10 games. The team already has infielders Lucas Duda, Wilmer Flores and David Wright, outfielder Brandon Nimmo and pitchers Steven Matz and Seth Lugo on the disabled list.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
