Dodgers News: Noah Syndergaard’s Spot in Rotation Safe for Now

After a one turn respite, Noah Syndergaard will return to the Dodgers’ rotation next week in Milwaukee. Earlier this week, manager Dave Roberts revealed the team was working through some mechanical things with the veteran right-hander who has struggled after a decent start to his season.

Doc was questioned about Syndergaard’s long term status in the rotation and whether the team was considering pulling him from the starting five or would consider it soon. The answer is no.

“My expectation is that he’s going to have a lot of leash. I think he’s earned it. It’s not always linear how players perform. But he has really given himself to us as far as being open to getting better. So for me, it’s day to day but I’m expecting him to pitch well and pitch well for the rest of the season.”

Roberts also said the team did toy around with the idea of keeping rookie Gavin Stone in the rotation for one more turn but opted against it with the recently concluded off day and another off day coming up next Thursday potentially giving pitchers a little too much time off, throwing them off their routines.

Now Syndergaard will start game two of the upcoming series against the Brewers in Milwaukee on Tuesday.

What’s Wrong with Thor?

It’s been a struggle for Syndergaard since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020. The right-hander who used to routinely hit 99 miles-per-hour on his fastball is now averaging a career-low 92.4 on his 4-seamer. He signed with the Dodgers with the hope and expectation of regaining at least some of that lost velo but it’s actually ticked down as the season has gone along.

The 30-year-old is 1-3 with a 6.32 ERA in 6 starts this season.

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