Noah Syndergaard Illness: Updates on Mets Pitcher's Status and Return

New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard missed his scheduled start on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies due to a bout with strep throat. 

It is currently unclear when he'll return to the mound. 

Continue for updates. 

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Latest on Syndergaard's Timeline for Return

Saturday, Sept. 24

Syndergaard threw a bullpen session on Saturday, and the Mets "remain hopeful" he'll start on either Monday or Tuesday, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. 

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Syndergaard Essential to Mets' Rotation 

The Mets started Sean Gilmartin in place of Syndergaard on Saturday. 

Syndergaard's dominance on the mound has been a source of both excitement and anxiety for Mets fans.

The 24-year-old is 13-9 with a 2.63 ERA through 29 starts. According to FanGraphs, his 10.60 strikeouts per nine innings are fourth among qualified starting pitchers.

Of course, even Thor has his vulnerabilities, and his impressive velocity is both a blessing and a curse. According to MLB.com's Statcast data, his four-seam fastball averages 98.3 mph, while his sinker comes in at 98.0 mph.

Since he throws so hard, many fans wondered whether arm trouble would become an issue, and that's what happened in June. He visited a doctor after experiencing elbow discomfort during his June 22 start against the Kansas City Royals. His July 8 start also ended abruptly after he started suffering arm fatigue.

New York has already lost Matt Harvey for the rest of the season, and it's anybody's guess as to how his thoracic outlet syndrome will affect his performance in 2017. 

Syndergaard is essential to the Mets making a run in the postseason if they get in, especially with the winner-take-all stakes in the wild-card matchup. Not having their No. 1 starter available for more than one start would alter their ability to advance if they make the playoffs.