Noah Syndergaard denies reports he has bone spur after short start
Welcome to The Walk Off, the nightly MLB recap from Big League Stew. Here we’ll look at the top performers of the night, show you a must-see highlight and rundown the scoreboard. First, we start with a game you need to know about.
The New York Mets have some pitcher drama, but this time it doesn’t involve Matt Harvey. After struggling during an 11-4 loss against the Washington Nationals, Noah Syndergaard denied reports he’s been dealing with a bone spur in his elbow.
While Syndergaard was able to pump his usual velocity during the start, he had issues with his control and command. Syndergaard uncharacteristically walked two during the first inning, but managed to escape a bases-loaded jam. He looked like his normal self in the second, striking out the side.
Things fell apart in the third. The Nationals tagged Syndergaard for five hits and a walk during the frame. Five runs scored in what was Syndergaard’s final inning. He lasted just three innings, giving up five runs on seven hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Not counting ejections, it was the shortest start of Syndergaard’s career.
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Shortly after the contest ended, reports emerged that Syndergaard has been dealing with a bone spur in his elbow for some time now, but has been pitching through it. Multiple New York reporters confirmed that report.
Syndergaard, however, did not. Syndergaard flat out denied those reports in front of the media.
The whole thing could make for an uncomfortable situation, especially considering Syndergaard’s rotation mate, Steven Matz, is also dealing with a bone spur in his elbow and has contemplated surgery.
The Mets have confirmed Matz’s injury, but have not commented on whether Syndergaard is currently dealing with a bone spur.
TOP PERFORMERS
Kris Bryant: Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant was unstoppable during an 11-8 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday. The third baseman made history, becoming the first player on record to ever go 5-for-5, with three home runs and two doubles. He set the Cubs team record with 16 total bases, and also managed his first-career three home run game. Bryant scored four runs and drove in six RBI during the contest.
Marcus Semien: Oakland Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien was once traded for San Francisco Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija, and he managed to get the better of that deal Monday. In the second inning, Semien belted a three-run shot off Samardzija, adding to the A’s lead. He would later add an RBI double. Semien finished 2-for-4, with one run scored and four RBI in the 8-3 win.
Nick Franklin: A number of Tampa Bay Rays were productive in Monday’s 13-7 win over the Boston Red Sox, but Franklin was the best of the bunch. The DH went 3-for-5 at the plate, with a home run a double and a single. He scored one run and drove in five.
MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHT
Starting a double play from center field is always an impressive feat. That’s exactly what Odubel Herrera managed to do during Monday’s 8-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
With no outs in the bottom of the third, Michael Bourn hit a line drive out near center. Jean Segura, who was on first base, was running on the pitch. Herrera made the catch in center, and with Segura on his way to second, fired the ball to first to try and get the force out. Segura attempted to make it back to the base, but, despite his speed, was doubled up due to Herrera’s strong throw.
THE REST OF THE SCOREBOARD
Royals 6, Cardinals 2: Matt Holliday’s two-run homer gave the Cardinals an early lead, but Adam Wainwright was tagged for six earned runs over five innings, earning the loss.
Dodgers 5, Pirates 4: The Pirates jumped out to a four-run lead on Scott Kazmir early, but Francisco Liriano couldn’t hold the lead, giving up five runs over 4 1/3 innings.
Rangers 9, Yankees 6: A near four-hour delay could not stop the Rangers bats. The team still managed to tack on some runs despite the layoff during the victory.
Indians 8, Braves 3: Six Indians picked up at least one RBI during the win, including Carlos Santana, who did so in a pinch-hit appearance.
Rockies 9, Blue Jays 5: Edwin Encarnacion hit two home runs, but that wasn’t enough to stop Colorado during Troy Tulowitzki’s return.
Astros 4, Angels 2: Houston tagged the Angels bullpen for four runs, ruining Matt Shoemaker’s strong start.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
