Noah Syndergaard – New York Mets (Getty Images / Newsday)

Panic City is so close, I can almost smell it. The Mets announced today that pitcher Noah Syndergaard has been put on the 10-day disabled list after an MRI revealed “Thor” was suffering from a torn right lat muscle. There is no timetable for his return. Mets GM Sandy Alderson will address reporters at 4pm today in Atlanta. 

After a rough week which ended in a 23-5 loss against the Nationals, the Mets could have used a huge break. The Baseball Gods unfortunately do not agree with what Mets fans want. 

Syndergaard felt the pain yesterday during his start against Washington, and one has to think this could have all been avoided. The ace of the team was scratched from his start on Thursday due to biceps tendinitis, but refused to take an MRI, stating he was ready to go. Management allowed him to continue his daily routine, with Sandy stating he can’t force him to do anything. Sounds like this one time, Noah Syndergaard should have listened. It was obvious he was in pain, grabbing underneath his throwing arm with a look of discomfort. Syndergaard is 1-2 with a 3.29 ERA in five starts this season. 

All in all, the entire situation was a mess from the start. The fault goes to everyone involved, from Ray Ramirez, to Terry Collins to Syndergaard himself. 

There are two ways to look at this in regards to recovery time:  Mets pitcher Steven Matz had a partial lat tear in 2015 and missed two months of the season. He has also struggled to remain healthy so far in his short career. The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw suffered from the same issue in 2014, but only missed a few weeks. It is unsure where Syndergaard ranks here.

As a result of this setback, the Mets are down another starter. It is assumed Rafael Montero will get another opportunity in the rotation. Sean Gilmartin is also expected to pitch more innings. Matz and Seth Lugo are not expected back on the team until May. The Mets need starting pitching, but they also need to make sure the rest of the team stays healthy. 

Time will only tell how long it will be until Syndergaard rejoins the team, if he even does. Until then, all parties involved have a lot to learn from this.