Mets starter Noah Syndergaard's worst outing of the season could in part be explained by a report saying the flamethrowing ace is dealing with a bone spur in his pitching elbow, a condition apparently shared by teammate Steven Matz.
Syndergaard, who made Monday's start despite elbow discomfort, allowed five runs in three innings of work in an 11-4 loss to the Nationals. Matz (7-3, 3.29 ERA) missed a start earlier this season for precautionary reasons after he complained of soreness in his left elbow. Now both face an uncertain future.
MORE: Noah Syndergaard among elite crop of under-25 players
Three Mets team sources told the New York Post that both pitchers will eventually need surgery to remove the growths from their elbow, but hope to manage the discomfort and put off surgery for the offseason.