Mets likely done with call-ups; Noah Syndergaard must wait

CINCINNATI -- Barring an injury, the Mets likely have finished their September call-ups, team officials said on Sunday. That means top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard will have to wait until next year to make his big league debut.

The Mets announced the promotions of veteran outfielder Bobby Abreu and reliever Gonzalez Germen, moves that brought the Mets’ 40-man roster to its capacity. The Mets could clear spots by designating players for assignment, though that is unlikely unless an injury creates a need.

In that case, Syndergaard could benefit from a promotion, which would give him some exposure to the big leagues and increase his innings workload, putting him in better position to log more innings next season. Also, the Mets will need to place him on the 40-man roster before Nov. 20 to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

But it seems that the roster move will likely be left for the offseason, especially since the Mets are happy with Syndergaard’s workload for the year.

“We’re happy at this point with the increase in Noah’s workload,” said Paul DePodesta, the Mets’ vice president of player development and scouting. “We look at things other than innings, and he’s right up against his limit.”

In his last start with Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, Syndergaard allowed six runs in four innings in a playoff loss to Reno. In 27 starts overall, he finished 9-8 with a 4.86 ERA.

Syndergaard, 21, had been a near lock to make his big league debut this season. But injuries early in the season, uneven results, and a dearth of 40-man spots all seemed to work against his promotion.

The Mets entered the day with an extra roster spot, though that will go to the veteran Abreu, who will join the big league club for his second stint.

Even without a promotion, Syndergaard remains a highly regarded prospect, and team officials have been encouraged by his progress in the minors.

Earlier in the day on Twitter, Syndergaard appeared to express his disappointment about not getting promoted.

When asked by a follower why he was not yet pitching in the big leagues, Syndergaard responded “good question.” And when the Mets’ official account tweeted out the roster moves that brought back Abreu and Germen, a follower replied “WE WANT @Noahsyndergaard.”

Syndergaard retweeted the response.