Noah Syndergaard Pulled from Opening Day Start vs. Braves with Blister

New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard left Monday's game with a blister on the top of his middle finger, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

DiComo reported Syndergaard's next start was moved to Sunday, and Robert Gsellman would start the team's fifth game of the season on Saturday against the Miami Marlins.

Syndergaard, 24, carried the pitching staff last season after so many others experienced injuries.

He made his first All-Star Game in 2016 and finished with a 2.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 218 strikeouts in 183.2 innings. That left him as the team's ace heading into 2017 as the Mets look to reach three straight postseasons for the first time in franchise history.

Syndergaard blows hitters away with his powerful fastball and slider. However, the Mets still have plenty of other pitchers to pick up the slack while he is out.

Matt Harvey was once the ace of the staff and can fill that role again. What's more, Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz provide talented depth outside of the two headliners.

While New York has enough pieces to survive a short Syndergaard absence, it can ill-afford to be without its best pitching weapon for long if it hopes to realistically challenge for a World Series in the National League.