The New York Mets assistant general manager John Ricco announced that starting ace Noah Syndergaard will be placed on the disabled list due to hand, foot, and mouth disease.
The news of Syndergaard's disease came as a surprise since it is a viral infection common in children. According to the Mets, their starting ace could have gotten it while visiting a youth camp over the All-Star break.
Ricco explains that Syndergaard's DL stint could last just seven to 10 days, meaning that their ace could miss just one start. Syndergaard will recover away from the team.
The Mets plan to recall right-handed pitcher Corey Oswalt from Triple-A Las Vegas to assume Syndergaard's spot in the rotation. Per Mets manager Mickey Callaway, Oswalt could start when the Mets take on the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.
Disease Affected Syndergaard's Velocity
Syndergaard's condition was first noticed by one of the Mets' training staff during his start against the New York Yankees on Friday. Toward the end of his stint, the Mets staff noted a dip in Syndergaard's fastball velocity into the low 90s. The drop in Syndergaard's fastball velocity was unusual since he is known as one of the owners of the hardest fastballs in the league.
The Mets allowed Syndergaard to finish the fifth inning, limiting him to just 84 pitches. Despite his short stint, Syndergaard (6-1) still got the win after allowing just one run on eight hits with four strikeouts.
After the game, Syndergaard and the Mets blamed his performance on dead arm and fatigue. Later, Ricco and Callaway admitted that the virus could have affected Syndergaard's performance against the Yankees.
"It took its toll the other night. He had trouble breathing, and that's why you saw his velo down," Callaway says. "During the game, we couldn't quite figure it out."
Mets Skipper Sent Syndergaard Home
After he pulled out his starting, Callaway talked to Syndergaard and placed his hand on his leg. The skipper said he felt the legs of his starting pitcher shaking, and he was just weak and run-down.
Then Syndergaard started experiencing one of the common symptoms of the contagious disease, which is blistery rash that spread on the inside of his hands. Aside from that, the disease also causes fever, sore throat, rash, and lethargy.
"We sent him home when we figured out what it was," Callaway said, adding that upon checking, no other player on the team has symptoms similar to what Syndergaard has experienced. The manager added that the team is working to make sure that all the players take precautionary measures, including washing their hands.
This was the second time that Syndergaard has been placed on the DL. He missed seven weeks because of a strain in his right index finger. Syndergaard made his return on July 13, tossing five strong innings to lead the Mets to a 4-2 win over the Washington Nationals.
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