By Canadian Press

Mets star Noah Syndergaard to have Tommy John surgery

Mar 24, 2020 | 3:06 PM

NEW YORK — Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard has a torn elbow ligament and needs Tommy John surgery that will keep him out of action this year.

New York medical director Dr. David Altchek will operate Thursday.

“After experiencing discomfort in his elbow before spring training was suspended due to the pandemic, Noah and our health and performance department have been in constant contact,” Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said in a statement Tuesday. “Based on the persistence of his symptoms, Noah underwent a physical examination and MRI that revealed the ligament tear.”

The right-hander received a second opinion on the damaged ulnar collateral ligament from Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

“While this is unfortunate, we have no doubt that Noah will be able to return to full strength and continue to be an integral part of our championship pursuits in the future,” said Van Wagenen, Syndergaard’s former agent.

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

13h ago

POSTAL STRIKE

Donations to Medicine Hat non-profits drop over Canada Post strike

13h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

21h ago

Opening day has been postponed until at least mid-May because of the virus outbreak.

Nicknamed Thor, Syndergaard was the No. 2 starter in a strong rotation behind two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom. New York has for now sufficient starters to make up for Syndergaard’s absence, with Marcus Stroman, Michael Wacha, Rick Porcello and Steven Matz.

Syndergaard turns 28 in August and currently is eligible to become a free agent after the 2021 season. He agreed in January to a $9.7 million, one-year contract.

Syndergaard was an All-Star in 2016 when he went 14-9 with a 2.60 ERA but his ERA has climbed to 2.97 in 2017, 3.05 in 2018 and 4.28 last year, when he was 10-8 in 32 starts.

He pitched eight innings over three spring training starts, allowing four runs — three earned — and five hits with 11 strikeouts and no walks.

___

More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press