MIAMI -- His absence now stretching into a second month, Noah Syndergaard could soon make significant progress toward a return from the disabled list. Syndergaard is tentatively scheduled to start a simulated game next week in Port St. Lucie, Fla., opposite Jason Vargas, who is also rehabbing from injury.
Sidelined since May 25 due to a strained right index finger, Syndergaard began throwing off a mound earlier this week, ramping up to a 31-pitch session Friday in Miami. He played catch the following day and, assuming Syndergaard comes out of that with no issues, he will travel to Port St. Lucie on Sunday in advance of his simulated game.
There, Syndergaard will pitch opposite Vargas, who has been out since June 19 due to a strained right calf.
In addition to the sim game, each pitcher will likely require at least one Minor League rehab start before coming off the DL. The Mets are particularly eager for the return of Syndergaard, who has made just 13 starts over the past 14 months. Between his finger injury and the torn right lat that cost him five months last year, Syndergaard has essentially missed a full big league season.
Syndergaard went 4-1 with a 3.06 ERA in 11 starts this year prior to landing on the DL. Vargas was 2-6 with an 8.60 ERA in nine starts.
For as long as those two are sidelined, rookie Corey Oswalt, who gave up six runs in 2 2/3 innings on Friday, will remain in the Mets' rotation. Oswalt draws his next start Wednesday in Toronto.
Back in the groove
David Wright's baseball activities progression included taking batting practice on Saturday in the same group as starting position players Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, Todd Frazier and Jose Bautista. Wright, who began taking BP earlier this month as he looks to return from back and shoulder injuries, took three rounds alongside his teammates at Marlins Park.