Syndergaard to make rehab start tonight

June 25th, 2019

PHILADELPHIA -- Mets pitcher will begin a Minor League rehab assignment on Tuesday with Class A Brooklyn, putting him in line to return as soon as Sunday at Citi Field. Syndergaard said he hopes to make only one rehab start as he recovers from a strained right hamstring.

Syndergaard, who is 5-4 with a 4.55 ERA in 15 starts, limped off the field during a June 15 start against the Cardinals, landing on the injured list the following day. He has downplayed the injury since that time, calling it minor and saying he expected to be ready to return in short order. The Mets are instead playing things cautiously with Syndergaard, giving him a rehab start to test out his hamstring.

Right-hander Walker Lockett, who allowed six runs in 2 1/3 innings subbing for Syndergaard last week in Chicago, will draw another start in place of him on Tuesday. Syndergaard could be ready to go five days later against the Braves.

Change of address

Tom Seaver’s children and grandchildren will be on hand when the Mets officially change Citi Field’s address to 41 Seaver Way during a ceremony Thursday at the ballpark. Three of Seaver’s 1969 Mets teammates -- Jerry Koosman, Ron Swoboda and Cleon Jones -- will also be there for the ceremony.

"I know I wouldn’t have a ring on my finger if it wasn’t for Tom Seaver," Swoboda said. "There was a different feeling in the clubhouse when he pitched. All of the hitters felt that if we got a run or two, Tom would find a way to get it done."

Seaver, who recently retired from public life due to his battle with dementia, is one of a handful of living 1969 Mets who will not attend the team’s anniversary celebration this weekend at Citi Field. The park is currently located at 123-01 Roosevelt Ave, on the corner of 126th St. in Flushing. The stretch of 126th Street that abuts it will be renamed Seaver Way.