It has not been a banner year for Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard, who many projected would be in the majors by now and potentially a major contributor to the Mets' rotation.
Alas, Syndergaard continues to toil in the minors, leaving doubt about a 2014 promotion to the majors. Still, Syndergaard has his mind set on getting the call this season.
"I'm still 21 years old. I still got time,'' Syndergaard said Sunday while attending the Futures Game, per Newsday. "There's really no rush. I'm just hoping I can get up there pretty quickly, contribute to some wins and hopefully a playoff push.''
Syndergaard is 7-4 with a 5.31 ERA in 16 starts for Triple-A Las Vegas, but he is coming off one of his best starts, allowing one run and striking out eight in seven innings.
Syndergaard said the last time out showed his progression as a pro and his ability to adapt to advanced hitters. Catcher Kevin Plawecki, who recently joined the roster at Las Vegas, attributed the strong performance to Syndergaard relying on his best pitch.
"You got a guy throwing 98 to 100, I don't know why you wouldn't want to throw it more,'' Plawecki said. "We utilized his fastball a whole lot more in his last start. I think that showed him where he's going to make his bread-and-butter.''