BOSTON — Noah Syndergaard’s road back to the Mets will include a pit stop with Triple-A Syracuse, and if all proceeds without a hitch could place him on the major league roster for the final week of the season.
The right-hander is scheduled to pitch Wednesday for Syracuse in a minor league rehab appearance, according to manager Luis Rojas, and may follow that with one additional Triple-A outing, in his latest comeback attempt.
Syndergaard, who underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2020, was on track to rejoin the Mets earlier this month but tested positive for COVID-19 and had to quarantine for 10 days. The plan calls for Syndergaard to pitch from the bullpen (or perhaps as an opener) and limit himself to fastballs and changeups, as he has been advised medically, for the rest of this season.
Noah Syndergaard with the Mets in 2019.Robert SaboAnother rehabbing pitcher, Jacob deGrom, threw from a bullpen mound at Fenway Park before the Mets faced the Red Sox, and is expected to repeat the process in Milwaukee on Friday before team officials evaluate whether he might rejoin the major league roster.
“It’s important to see the guys healthy and what they can be and we’re still working on a way to closing the gap with a spot for going to the playoffs, which is our main goal,” Rojas said. “Those two will come in handy if they are at their best, going through their progression.”
DeGrom, who last pitched on July 7 because of forearm tightness and an elbow sprain, was asked if he plans to make a cameo before the season concludes. The Mets ace would likely be limited to one or two innings.
“If everything keeps going well,” deGrom said. “I feel good.”
Taijuan Walker has leapfrogged Tylor Megill in the rotation and will start Wednesday’s game against the Red Sox. Walker will be pitching on normal rest because of Monday’s off day. The rookie Megill, who last pitched on Wednesday, is scheduled to open the weekend series in Milwaukee on Friday.
Drew Smith, who has been on the IL since Aug. 14 with right shoulder inflammation, could begin a rehab assignment this weekend for Syracuse, according to Rojas.
Rojas used the DH spot to get Dominic Smith and Kevin Pillar in the lineup. Pete Alonso shifted to DH with Smith at first base and Pillar in left field.
