Speaking to reporters at Citi Field, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson had the following to say about a New York Post report that rookie right-hander Noah Syndergaard could pitch out of the bullpen this season.
“I think that remains something that could be considered in the future but right now he’s in the rotation.” (The Record)
June 14
According to New York Post reporter Mike Puma, the Mets have, over the past few days, discussed moving Noah Syndergaard to the bullpen to make room for Steven Matz in the rotation.
The move, tweeted Puma, would make Syndergaard the setup man behind Jeurys Familia while also allowing the team to finally bring Matz into the major league rotation. However, as other Mets beat reporters have noted, it’s important to note that these are just discussions and that Syndergaard moving to the bullpen is “highly unlikely.”
The move would, if it were to actually happen, comes as a surprise considering how much trouble the Mets have gone through over the past few weeks to keep Syndergaard in the rotation. At one point, they switched to a six-man rotation and now have kicked Dillon Gee, who was in his fifth season as a regular starter with the Mets, to the bullpen. It’s also unclear how the Mets’ promotion of Akeel Morris affects these rumors.
Syndergaard has been mostly decent in the rotation, although he has allowed a total of 20 hits and 11 runs over just ten innings in his last two starts. On the season, he has a 4.15 ERA over six starts with the Mets. However, he also has an 8.8 K/9 rate and a 1.6 BB/9 rate.
Matz has been making noise in Triple-A since the start of the season. He is currently 6-4 with a 2.30 ERA in 78.1 innings. He is walking 3.4 batters per nine innings with Las Vegas but striking out 9.3.
Syndergaard is slated to pitch tomorrow night and on Saturday, which is also thought to be the “safety date” for promoted players to avoid Super 2 status.
