Mets’ Syndergaard exits start, has ‘possible lat strain’

The Mets are saying that ace Noah Syndergaard has a ‘possible lat strain’ after the right-hander left his start Sunday against the Nationals, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. DiComo also says Syndergaard is also “heading back to New York City for an MRI.”

Syndergaard left the game with one out in the bottom of the second inning while pitching to Nationals’ star Bryce Harper. He was relieved by Sean Gilmartin, but not after he gave up five runs in the first inning to the NL East Division leaders.

Syndergaard has been dealing with arm issues all week. He had 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 about the pain and they gave him anti-inflammatory medication.

The medication made him feel better for only a little bit, as he had to be scratched from his start Thursday against the Braves after feeling slight pain while catching fly balls and he could not lift his arm above his shoulder. Mets manager Terry Collins said at the time that Syndergaard had a “tired arm.” Even Syndergaard said that he felt the injury wasn’t a serious one and that he told the Mets he would not need an MRI on the arm, according to DiComo.

With Syndergaard’s status up in the air, the Mets may really have to start thinking about building depth in their rotation if they want to keep their season alive. The NL East’s last-place team also has pitchers Seth Lugo and Steven Matz are on the 10-day disabled list with inflamed elbow injuries.