Noah Syndergaard, a professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets, is widely regarded as one of the top pitchers in the game. His powerful arm and impressive mechanics have made him a fan favorite and an essential part of the Mets’ rotation.
However, on June 22, 2021, during a game against the Kansas City Royals, Syndergaard suffered an elbow injury that caused him to miss significant playing time.
While he attempted to pitch through the injury, it was ultimately revealed that he was dealing with a bone spur in his elbow, which required surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how Noah Syndergaard got hurt, exploring the factors that contributed to his injury and discussing the implications for his career moving forward.
Background on Noah Syndergaard’s Pitching Style
Noah Syndergaard, also known as “Thor” for his muscular build and blonde hair, is a 6’6″ pitcher known for his powerful arm and unique pitching style.
He throws a fastball that averages around 98 miles per hour, one of the fastest in the league, along with a slider and a changeup. His impressive mechanics and delivery have made him a standout player, but they also place a significant strain on his elbow.
Syndergaard’s pitching mechanics are characterized by a high leg kick, long stride, and a powerful arm motion that generates significant velocity. This style of pitching is effective in generating movement and power, but it also puts a tremendous amount of stress on his elbow joint.
Every time Syndergaard throws a pitch, his elbow absorbs a force of over 100 Newtons, which can lead to wear and tear over time.
Pitchers, in general, are at a high risk of elbow injuries due to the repetitive nature of their sport. The repeated throwing motion causes microscopic tears in the tendons and ligaments that connect the bones in the elbow joint, leading to inflammation, pain, and other complications.
Additionally, pitchers are prone to developing bone spurs in their elbow joints due to the constant friction and wear caused by pitching.
Overall, while Syndergaard’s pitching style has made him a dominant player on the field, it also places a significant amount of stress on his elbow joint, making him more susceptible to injury.
The June 22 Start Against the Kansas City Royals
On June 22, 2021, the New York Mets faced off against the Kansas City Royals in a regular-season game. Noah Syndergaard was the starting pitcher for the Mets and pitched for five innings, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six batters. While his performance was not his best, it was still a solid outing.
It is unclear when exactly Syndergaard sustained his elbow injury during the game. Some speculate that it may have occurred during the third inning when he appeared to shake his arm after throwing a pitch.
Others believe that it could have been a gradual injury that had been building up over time and was exacerbated during the game.
Regardless, Syndergaard did not show any significant signs of discomfort during the game and continued to pitch until he was eventually pulled after the fifth inning.
Syndergaard’s June 27 Start Against the Washington Nationals
Despite experiencing discomfort in his elbow, Syndergaard made his scheduled start on June 27, 2019, against the Washington Nationals. This decision was made after Syndergaard underwent an MRI that revealed he had a bone spur in his elbow.
While the injury was not considered severe enough to sideline him, it was clear that Syndergaard would need to manage the discomfort and make adjustments to his pitching.
During the game, Syndergaard’s performance was uncharacteristic, as he struggled with his control and gave up four runs on nine hits in just five innings.
He also appeared to be in pain during the game, grimacing and shaking his arm after throwing several pitches. Despite this, he continued to pitch, showing his determination to help his team win.
It is clear that the injury affected Syndergaard’s pitching during this game. He struggled to maintain his usual velocity and control, likely due to the discomfort he was experiencing in his elbow.
However, his willingness to pitch through the pain demonstrates his commitment to his team and his desire to compete at the highest level.
Diagnosis of the Injury
Following the June 27 start against the Washington Nationals, Noah Syndergaard underwent further medical evaluation that revealed he had a bone spur in his right elbow.
A bone spur is a small bony projection that can develop along the edges of bones, in this case, the bones of the elbow joint.
Bone spurs can develop in the elbow joint as a result of repetitive stress and wear and tear over time. In baseball pitchers, the constant throwing motion places a significant strain on the elbow joint, leading to the development of small tears in the tendons and ligaments that connect the bones.
As the body attempts to repair these tears, the bone can begin to grow abnormally, leading to the formation of bone spurs.
Bone spurs in the elbow joint can cause pain and discomfort, as well as limit range of motion and flexibility in the affected arm. In some cases, bone spurs can even impinge on surrounding nerves, leading to additional complications.
Treatment for bone spurs in the elbow may involve rest, physical therapy, or in more severe cases, surgery to remove the bone spur.
Contributing Factors to the Injury
Noah Syndergaard’s pitching style may have played a role in the development of the bone spur in his elbow. Syndergaard is known for his high-velocity fastball, which places a significant amount of stress on the elbow joint.
The repetitive throwing motion required in baseball pitching also places strain on the tendons and ligaments of the elbow joint, which can lead to the formation of bone spurs over time.
Overuse and fatigue can also contribute to the development of elbow injuries in pitchers. Syndergaard is a workhorse pitcher who regularly throws high pitch counts and pitches deep into games.
This can lead to overuse and fatigue of the arm, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, pitchers who do not take proper care of their arms between starts, such as by not properly resting or following a proper warm-up routine, may also be at higher risk of developing elbow injuries.
Other factors that can contribute to elbow injuries in pitchers include poor pitching mechanics, such as using an improper throwing motion, as well as underlying genetic factors that can increase the likelihood of developing bone spurs or other elbow injuries.
It is likely that a combination of these factors contributed to the development of the bone spur in Syndergaard’s elbow.
Noah Syndergaard’s Elbow Injury Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 22, 2019 | Syndergaard suffers elbow injury during start vs. Royals |
| June 27, 2019 | Syndergaard makes next scheduled start vs. Nationals, reveals injury after game |
| July 23, 2019 | Syndergaard placed on injured list due to hamstring injury |
| September 15, 2019 | Syndergaard returns from injured list |
| March 2020 | Syndergaard undergoes successful Tommy John surgery |
| July 2020 | Syndergaard opts out of 2020 season due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| April 2021 | Syndergaard begins rehab assignment |
| May 2021 | Syndergaard experiences setback in rehab, shut down for six weeks |
| July 2021 | Syndergaard resumes throwing program |
| August 2021 | Syndergaard makes rehab start with minor league team |
Note: This is a simplified timeline and not an exhaustive list of all events related to Syndergaard’s injury and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Syndergaard require surgery for his elbow injury?
At the time of his injury in 2019, surgery was not deemed necessary for Syndergaard’s bone spur. However, the long-term management of the injury may require surgery in the future.
Has Syndergaard experienced other injuries during his career?
Yes, Syndergaard has experienced other injuries during his career, including a partial tear of his right lat muscle in 2017 and a strained ligament in his right index finger in 2018.
How long was Syndergaard out of action due to his elbow injury?
Following his June 27 start in 2019, Syndergaard was able to make his next scheduled start on July 2. However, he was later placed on the injured list in July due to a strained right hamstring and did not return until September.
How has Syndergaard performed since returning from his injury?
Syndergaard missed the entire 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he has only made a few appearances in the 2021 season as of the time of writing. However, his performance since returning from his elbow injury has been generally strong, with a 2.95 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched in 2019.
Can Syndergaard’s elbow injury be prevented in the future?
While it is difficult to prevent all injuries in sports, pitchers can take steps to reduce their risk of developing elbow injuries. This includes proper conditioning and training, following proper mechanics during pitching, and proper rest and recovery between outings. It remains to be seen whether Syndergaard’s elbow injury will continue to affect him in the future.
To Recap
Noah Syndergaard’s bone spur in his elbow is likely a result of the high-velocity throwing motion and repetitive stress associated with baseball pitching.
While it is unclear exactly when the injury occurred, it is clear that Syndergaard’s pitching style and workhorse mentality may have contributed to the development of the bone spur.
Despite the injury, Syndergaard has shown his determination and commitment to his team by pitching through the discomfort and continuing to compete at the highest level.
Proper rest, conditioning, and proper pitching mechanics can help mitigate the risk of elbow injuries in pitchers, but it is clear that the physical demands of the game can still take a toll on even the most talented and dedicated athletes.
