Mets scratch Syndergaard from start due to ‘tired arm’

The Mets have scratched ace right-hander Noah Syndergaard from his start Thursday against the Braves after feeling slight pain in his throwing arm while catching fly balls during batting practice, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

Mets manager Terry Collins dubbed Syndergaard’s injury as a “tired arm” that may have come from him having tendonitis in his biceps. The Mets had Matt Harvey start in Syndergaard’s place.

"It's quite obvious that we cannot take a chance on him, hurting this guy," Collins said. Collins later said that Syndergaard could return Sunday to face the Nationals.

Syndergaard told reporters that he had felt some pain in his biceps while throwing earlier in the week. DiComo said that Syndergaard told the club’s trainers and they gave him anti-inflammatory medication. Syndergaard said he was fine the next day, but that all changed Thursday after he could not lift his arm above his shoulder.

Despite the pain and being held out, Syndergaard believes it is not a serious injury.

"It's a little thing right now," Syndergaard said. "But we definitely don't want it to turn into a big thing. ... In my opinion, I think it's very minor, and I'll get back on the field on Sunday."

Syndergaard has started four games this season, going only 1-1, but has posted an incredible 1.73 ERA and racked up 30 strikeouts while not issuing a walk in 26 innings pitched. The Mets can’t afford to lose Syndergaard for any length of time, as they are 8-12 and have lost five games in a row entering Thursday’s series finale against the Braves. In addition, they already have pitchers Seth Lugo and Steven Matz on the 10-day disabled list with inflamed elbow injuries.