Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Does Not Envision Bullpen Role for Noah Syndergaard
Noah Syndergaard was supposed to resurrect his career this season when he signed with the Dodgers. LA has been known over the years for their ability to help guys get back on track and have productive seasons, leading them to a nice payday from some other squad. Syndergaard believed he was next in line but the complete opposite occurred. So far in 2023, he has had the worst start to a season of his career.
Currently he is on the injured list for a blister issue and holds an ERA of 7.16 for the year. It was been a disaster with the boys in blue and now his future with the team remains in question. Once Syndergaard does return from the injured list, nobody really knows what the team will do with him. Manager Dave Roberts did give some sort of update on the pitcher over the weekend however.
"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."
Per Dave Roberts pregame on Sunday
Roberts didn't give much away on the status of Syndergaard and it seems that we are in the same place as before. The veteran pitcher may be able to provide something down the line for this team if he can get both his injury and mind right. There has been talk about possibly using him as a reliever at some point but Roberts was quick to shoot that idea down.
"I don't see that happening. I know last year in Philadelphia he pitched in the bullpen a little bit. For us it's get him back, ramp him up and see where we're at as far as a starter."
Per Dave Roberts pregame on Sunday
The Dodgers as a whole have had consistency issues all season long so it hasn't just been Syndergaard. But the team had hoped that he would come in to eat innings and be a third line starter in the rotation. It hasn't come to fruition and his career as a pitcher in the big leagues remains a question mark.
