Noah Syndergaard To Return To The Mound For The First Time Since 2019

New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard is expected to start game 2 of today's doubleheader against the Marlins, according to Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo.

If all goes smoothly pregame, this will be the flamethrower's first start since 2019. he underwent Tommy John surgery in March of 2020, surrendering last year's short season. Now, it's go time.

This is really a tryout to prove he's recovered from serious injury. Yes, the short-term goal is to make it back to the mound and not to take this process for granted, but retaining his job should be the ultimate focus. No one is more motivated to prove he's still got it than the former Mets ace.

Another factor in tonight's outing will be that radar gun. Will we see that classic high-90s bowling ball sinker, or will surgery have caught up to him? Low velocity in start one doesn't necessarily mean he's finished, however he's got to show he's still got some power stuff left in his likely short outing.

No mention yet on a pitch count from Mets manager Luis Rojas, although it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize the Mets won't ask a pitcher that hasn't pitched in the bigs in two years to throw 100 pitches. We wish him the best of luck tonight!