Should Thor return in 2021, it's likely in relief

Mets general manager Zack Scott told reporters Tuesday that if Noah Syndergaard is able to return in September, he is likely to be utilized primarily as a reliever. Understanding the urgency of the Mets’ situation in a tight playoff race, Scott made it clear that Syndergaard could be a massive boost down the stretch out of the bullpen.

“At this point in the year, coming and contributing in a shorter relief outing, whether that be a two- or three-inning outing -- getting him to help the big league club is the priority,” Scott said.

With Syndergaard continuing to work his way back from right elbow inflammation that occurred during his rehab from Tommy John surgery, the plan laid out by Scott would seem to be the most pragmatic approach. A reinstatement to the starting rotation would entail an extended rehab process that could make it nearly impossible for Syndergaard to make an impact this season. Rather, Scott appears to recognize the importance of balancing the health of his star pitcher alongside the Mets’ search for a spark amidst their recent struggles.

“Getting him back in September in a role where he could help the team in relief would be a good thing for us to do,” Scott said.

If the right-hander makes it back next month, it will have been almost two full years since Syndergaard last pitched in a Major League game. His last appearance came on Sept. 29, 2019, where he pitched seven innings and struck out nine in a no-decision against the Braves. The following spring, amidst a shutdown of Spring Training due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Syndergaard communicated to team trainers a feeling of discomfort in his right elbow. A later MRI revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow that would require Tommy John surgery.

Syndergaard would go on to miss the entire 2020 season rehabbing his UCL tear, targeting a return during the '21 season.

Frustratingly for both Syndergaard and the team, this return date was pushed back even further following a setback in a rehab start for Low-A St. Lucie in late May. After pitching just one inning on May 25, he was pulled due to right elbow soreness that would later be described as inflammation. During the start, scouts in attendance clocked Syndergaard’s fastball velocity within an uncharacteristically low range of 89-92 mph. As a result, he was shut down for an extended period of time and has only resumed throwing in recent weeks.

Syndergaard, who turns 29 later in August, is eligible for free agency this winter and would surely enhance the market for his services if he can return and show his trademark velocity, even in a relief role.