Dodgers News: MLB Writer Not Confident in Noah Syndergaard Returning to Form
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Noah Syndergaard is easily one of the biggest X-factors heading into the 2023 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Joining a pitching staff headlined by names such as Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, Syndergaard has been given a role based on his reputation as a throwing machine during his time with the New York Mets.
Thor saw great success early on, nabbing Rookie of the Year votes along with a World Series appearance in just his first year in the MLB. He would follow that up next season with an All-Star appearance, and votes for the Cy Young and MVP Award sporting a 2.60 ERA. Unfortunately, he has had to find his footing again after Tommy John surgery in 2020 and looks to perform fully healthy this year with the Boys in Blue.
He's off to an impressive start in Spring Training, getting the better of the 15 out of 16 hitters he's faced and serving as a reliable option.
"The big catch is that the 6'6", 242-pounder's fastball is still nothing like the triple-digit terror he had at the outset of his career," wrote Rymer. "He sat between 91-94 mph his last time out on Monday, or precisely where he was amid his unspectacular 2022 season.
"True, there is some intrigue to be found in how Dodgers starters put up a league-best 2.75 ERA last season even as their average heater checked out at 92.9 mph. But that had a lot to do with their guys getting the most out of nasty secondary offerings. Because neither his slider nor his changeup really stood out in 2022, that Syndergaard has even one of those to leverage for better results in 2023 is not something to take for granted just yet."
Even though Syndergaard hasn't gotten his velocity and speed back on his throws just yet, Dodgers fans should be a little more patient before agreeing with Rymer. He has already shown a lot of positive signs in his Spring Training opportunities and will continue to show if he can be effective as a key piece of the rotation.
