Sandy Alderson won't speculate on Noah Syndergaard's staying power
New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard looks on from the dugout against the St. Louis Cardinals during a game at Citi Field on Monday, May 18, 2015. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Noah Syndergaard is slated to make at least one more start in the Mets' rotation. But beyond that, general manager Sandy Alderson has steered clear about what's next for the organization's top prospect once Dillon Gee comes off the disabled list.
"It's just too speculative at this point," Alderson said Monday after a visit with fellow Vietnam veterans at the VA Medical Center in Manhattan. "Dillon's going to throw another game probably in St. Lucie and Noah's scheduled for another start. So we'll see what happens after that."
Syndergaard, 22, could be sent back to the minors once Gee is ready to rejoin the rotation after his stint on the disabled list with a mild groin strain.
However, Syndergaard has been dominant at Triple-A Las Vegas and has turned in a pair of impressive starts in his first big-league call-up. He's 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA in 11 1/3 innings over two starts.
In that span, he has flashed a 98-mph fastball and sharp curveball, all while living up to the considerable hype that trailed him to the majors. "I think he's done an excellent job," Alderson said. "I think you could see growth from the first start to the second."
Syndergaard collected his first big-league win Sunday, keeping his composure even after hitting Carlos Gomez in the helmet with a fastball. "They were all very positive steps," Alderson said. "So we're all pleased with what he's done so far."
Manager Terry Collins said the decision on Syndergaard will hinge more on the team's long-term needs rather than the outcome of his next start.
"You've got to take a look at the big picture," Collins said. "Even though every start's important, you've still got to look at what's best for the organization. That's the most important thing."
