The Mets ace, Noah Syndergaard, has been known for his dominant pitching, fun yet tough personality, and unique sense of humor. However, refusing an MRI is nowhere near funny and clearly a cause for real concern. A recommendation that he get an MRI something that Syndergaard should automatically know is a warning sign and take seriously, as any injury could (and this one eventually did) affect his playing time and ability to help a team that is in desperate need of his services.
Noah Syndergaard‘s Health Depends Largely on his Mindset
Syndergaard is a natural-born competitor, and a fierce one at that. However, it’s important that if something is indeed wrong, it is properly addressed and dealt with before things spiral completely out of control. The necessary precautions and medical advice should in no way, shape, or form be dismissed by Syndergaard or the organization. Both parties should insist upon taking all available steps prevent further damage and regain stability.
Syndergaard refused an MRI this season, and is currently on the 60-day disabled list because of it. The blame is no one’s but Syndergaard’s, as his cooperation, serious mindset, and maturity are required. As athletes in the Majors, all players should know that their cooperation and contribution is required in order for teams, other players, and their own fans to respect them and take them seriously. It is better to resolve the issue and deal with it quickly then to go the route that Syndergaard did, which seems reckless and suggests he may be biting off more than he can chew as far as being relied on heavily to go out there and secure a win for the New York Mets.
Syndergaard made a costly decision that has prolonged his return to playing time in a fashion that may have drawn suspicions that he is immature. His refusal of the MRI didn’t exactly come off as professional. His playing resume is solid, and the Mets need him healthy.
The Mets aren’t completely out of options as far as their starting pitchers. They have Jacob deGrom, but Syndergaard is more dominant and consistent hurler out of the two. While Noah is still young and wants to go out there and give it his all each start, he has to be 100% healthy in order to be successful. Pitching with an injury will eventually catch up to any pitcher, and it is never a good decison. Managers and team medical staffs should be firm and direct with the players on the dangers of doing so. The Mets medical staff should have been more direct with Syndergaard and, in the future, should set the players straight when it comes to care for their bodies.
Syndergaard is a prime example of how injuries should and should not be dealt with. If the Mets and Syndergaard do not take this as a lesson, other players may make the same mistake in the future. That would be a shame. The Mets clearly need to make staying healthy a priority, and Syndergaard should be all ears.
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