Dodgers News: For Noah Syndergaard, There’s No Timeline for a Return
When the Dodgers signed Noah Syndergaard in free agency, expectations swelled around the proven starter. Unfortunately, 2023 has not been kind to the longtime New York Met. In 12 starts, Syndergaard is sporting the worst ERA, 7.16, of his career, besides a 2021 in which he only appeared in two games.
On June 8, Syndergaard was placed on the injured list to tend to a blister on his right index finger, as well as take a physical, mental and emotional break from a game that has not treated him well as of late.
Before the Dodgers’ loss to the San Francisco Giants Sunday afternoon, manager Dave Roberts gave a status update on Syndergaard, who the Dodgers signed to a $13 million, 1-year contract in the offseason.
It seems that not much has changed since Syndergaard was placed on the IL, according to Roberts.
“I know he was out here today playing catch. But as far as when he’s going to start facing hitters and do all that stuff, I’m not sure when that’s going to happen.”
(Via Dave Roberts pregame on Sunday)
Syndergaard has been a career starter, only pitching in relief twice in his eight-year career. Roberts stated Sunday that, if Syndergaard does return to the Dodger lineup, he will remain a starter.
“I don’t see that happening. For us, it’s to get him back, ramp him up and see where we’re at as far as a starter,” Roberts said.
(Via Dave Roberts pregame on Sunday)
Eleven different pitchers have started a game for the Dodgers this season and, due either to injury or poor performance, Roberts has struggled to find a consistent group that he likes. Considering the start to Syndergaard’s season, it is likely that he is not the answer to the Dodgers’ pitching woes.
