Even though spring training has yet to begin, the Mets are already formulating a plan on how to handle top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, who is likely to make his MLB debut in 2014. The big issue is regarding Syndergaard's innings, according to ESPN.
The right-hander threw just 124 2/3 innings last season, which included the Double-A playoffs and his Futures Game appearance. Matt Harvey logged 135 2/3 innings the season before his MLB debut and Zack Wheeler logged 149 innings the year before his debut. Typically, teams only like pitchers to make a 30-35-inning increase from the previous season, which means Syndergaard might be shut down before he reaches 160 innings this year.
Mets vice president of player development and scouting Paul DePodesta said the team can get creative in order to have Syndergaard available late in the season. He said the team won't delay the start of Syndergaard's season, but they might consider initially bringing the young righty to the majors as a reliever.
"We're in the process of planning everyone's schedule, Noah included," DePodesta said. "[Wheeler and Harvey] had different paths to the major leagues, even though both resulted in a midseason call-up. Noah's path will also be different, even if there are similarities. Further, while we will create a plan for him before the season begins, the plan will inevitably change as the season progresses."