The New York Mets have been hit hard by the injury bug in recent days, but not everything is bad news. Noah Syndergaard, who is on the final stages of his Tommy John surgery recovery, had his first rehab start on Wednesday, for Class-A Port St. Lucie.
The stellar right-hander was very good on Wednesday, covering four innings in his first official start in more than a year. He struck out five foes and allowed just a single run on one hit. Reports indicate that he sat on the 93-95 mph range, touching 97. That velocity is still a tick or two below his peak mark, but it represents an extremely positive number for this stage.
As for his potential return date, the Mets would like to have Syndergaard back by mid-June, but late-June would be a more realistic target as long as there are no setbacks in the way.
Since Taijuan Walker is also going to the injured list with left side soreness, the Mets needed some good news on the injury front when it comes to pitchers.
The Mets’ ace will make a rehab start of his own on Thursday
Another good news is the current status of Mets’ ace Jacob deGrom, who has been sidelined with right side soreness.
The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner, according to the Mets’ official site, felt good after throwing a bullpen session Tuesday and will make a rehab start for the Low-A St. Lucie Mets on Thursday. The announcement was made by manager Luis Rojas.
If the Mets deem his start successful, deGrom will return from the injured list next week.
The Mets are targeting a return for the series against the Colorado Rockies.
Right now, the Mets could almost field a rotation of injured players, with deGrom, Walker, Syndergaard, and Carlos Carrasco, currently rehabbing from a torn hamstring.