Dodgers Team News

Dodgers Coaches Expect Noah Syndergaard’s Velocity to Continue Rising

Dodgers new RHP Noah Syndergaard had a very solid debut on Sunday. Syndergaard threw six innings, allowing one run, four hits and striking out six batters. It was a very impressive first start in LA, and he definitely showed that he can be his old, dominant self.

However, a big talking point regarding Syndergaard’s offseason has been his velocity. At first, he said he can get back to throwing triple digits. However, in spring, he backtracked, and said he’s not worried about velocity, just getting outs.



In his first start of the regular season, the velocity wasn’t there, as his fastball and sinker averaged just 92.7 mph — a far cry from the 98.7 mph he averaged in his lone All-Star campaign in 2016.

But still, even after a low velocity output in his first start, his manager, Dave Roberts, was very pleased with his performance.

“We’ve got a great trust with Noah already,” Roberts said. “And I just don’t see how he’s not gonna be that dominant guy that he once was, this year for us.”

Jack Harris, LA Times

However, he also thinks Syndergaard can get back to being ‘Thor,’ with the high velocity and all.

“I do think there’s going to continue to be an uptick in velocity,” Roberts said. “But to throw out a number, (I) think he kind of backed off that, which I think is good. Sequencing, making pitches and making sure his slider is good, getting ahead of counts, getting some weak contact, I think that’s what we’re looking for.”

Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic

His pitching coach, Mark Prior, agreed with Doc.

“I do think there’s more velo,” Prior said. “Is it 100? I don’t know … But is it 96, 97? Maybe. Time will tell.”

Jack Harris, LA Times

But even if the velocity doesn’t come, Prior, like Roberts, is confident Syndergaard will be dominant over the course of a long season.

“Velocity is important, velocity plays,” Prior said. “But I think his stuff and his movement and his ability to be down in the strike zone and do different things, I think he pitches extremely well with just that too.”

Jack Harris, LA Times

His next start is scheduled for April 8 against the Diamondbacks (again).

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Noah Camras

Noah is an Editor for Dodgers Nation. He graduated from USC in 2022 with a B.A. in Journalism and minor in Sports Media Studies. He's been a Dodger fan his whole life, and his all-time favorite Dodgers are Matt Kemp and Russell Martin.

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