After alarming velocity drop in final first-half start, Noah Syndergaard convinced he’s OK

10:38 AM ET

CHICAGO — New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard insists he is in the clear after requiring an escort off the mound from the team’s trainer in his final first-half start. Whether that is actually the case will be more firmly established once Syndergaard takes the mound on Tuesday night in a matchup opposite fellow All-Star Jake Arrieta at Wrigley Field.

Syndergaard’s fastball velocity, which averages 98.1 mph, the highest of any starting pitcher in the majors, precipitously dropped to as low as 91 mph in his final inning of first-half work on July 8.

Syndergaard said his arm felt like it had a parachute attached in that final frame against the Washington Nationals.

So the Mets scratched Syndergaard from the All-Star Game, which he otherwise might have started. Manager Terry Collins then placed Syndergaard at the back of the rotation coming out of the break to maximize his rest. That turn comes up Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs.

“My arm feels really good,” Syndergaard said. “Those four days of not throwing were pretty crucial, and it’s going to really benefit me.”

Noah Syndergaard’s velocity dipped to as low 91 mph in his final inning of work before the All-Star game. Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire

Syndergaard was examined by a team doctor at Citi Field after being pulled against the Nationals. He was deemed not to require an MRI. The issue since has been portrayed by Syndergaard and the organization as “arm fatigue,” and explained away as Syndergaard’s temporarily hitting a wall due to the …

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