LEADING OFF: Syndergaard set back, Valdez back with Astros

A look at what's happening around the majors Friday:

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ELBOW WOES

The Mets may need to reassess their rotation after learning Thursday that right-hander Noah Syndergaard won't throw for at least six weeks due to inflammation in his right elbow.

The hard-throwing 28-year-old was nearing a return from Tommy John surgery when he left his second minor league rehab start Tuesday after just one inning. The Mets said an MRI showed no structural damage to his UCL. Manager Luis Rojas said “we pray that he can pitch for us this year.”

Syndergaard is one of several Mets on the injured list and one of four pitchers along with Carlos Carrasco (right hamstring), Taijuan Walker (right side) and Jordan Yamamoto (right shoulder). Carrasco, expected to serve as the Mets’ No. 2 pitcher in Syndergaard’s absence, is on the 60-day IL and not expected to return until at least July.

Despite the injuries, New York's starters entered Thursday with a combined 2.94 ERA, fifth best in the majors.

Walker is set to pitch Friday against Atlanta.

QUICK HEALER

Framber Valdez is set to make his first start of 2021 for Houston after breaking his left ring finger during spring training. Houston initially feared the 27-year-old left-hander could miss nearly the entire season, but his injury healed surprisingly fast.

Valdez made two minor league rehab starts, most recently throwing 54 pitches in four innings for Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday. He was a breakout star with the Astros in 2020, going 5-3 with a 3.57 ERA, then had a 1.88 ERA in four games (three starts) during the postseason.

Valdez will face the Padres and right-hander Dinelson Lamet (1-0, 1.64).

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source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Syndergaard-set-back-Valdez-back-16208960.php