Mets’ Noah Syndergaard frustrated with stolen bases adding up

9:01 PM ET

NEW YORK — The running game has become a big issue for the New York Mets’ Noah Syndergaard.

The San Francisco Giants stole four bases in Sunday’s 6-1 win over the Mets at Citi Field. The Giants were 3-for-3 with the 6-foot-8 Syndergaard trying to hold them on first, and two of those thefts — both by Matt Duffy — ultimately came around to score.

And this came on the heels of last Monday, when the Cincinnati Reds were 5-for-5 on stolen base attempts against Syndergaard.

“The last two starts, I haven’t felt very comfortable on the mound in terms of mechanically, which is allowing baserunners to get better jumps off me,” said Syndergaard, who allowed four runs in 5 2/3 innings pitched. “I’m slower towards home plate. It’s just a slight mechanical issue that I’m still trying to work on.”

Matt Duffy had two of the Giants’ three stolen bases off Noah Syndergaard. Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports

This has never been Syndergaard’s strength. In 24 starts during 2015, opposing runners were 15-for-16 on attempted steals with him on the mound, according to STATS research. This season, the pace has picked up with the baserunners going 12-for-13 in five outings. Syndergaard said it’s “frustrating.”

He sought out the advice of Jacob deGrom on Saturday because Syndergaard said deGrom does well at neutralizing the running game. Among the things they discussed …

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