Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Struggling Thor: I'm 'weakest link' on Dodgers

Written by 
Published in Baseball
Thursday, 01 June 2023 13:02

Noah Syndergaard said he is the Los Angeles Dodgers' "weakest link" after another poor outing that may have jeopardized his spot in the starting rotation.

The once-intimidating Syndergaard saw his ERA inflate to 6.54 after allowing five runs on seven hits -- including three home runs -- in Wednesday's loss to the last-place Nationals.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts would not say whether Syndergaard would make his next start, and the former All-Star admitted that the mechanical adjustments he has attempted have not been effective.

"It really sucks," Syndergaard told reporters. "Right now I just feel like I'm the weakest link on this team. I want to go out there and compete and be successful for the other guys in this clubhouse, but it's just not working out."

Syndergaard, whose early-career exploits with the Mets earned him the nickname Thor, said he would do anything to once again be a dominant pitcher with a 100 mph fastball.

"I would give my hypothetical firstborn to be the old me again," he said. "I'll do anything possible to get back to that. I'm expected to go out there and compete, and today I just fell behind a lot of hitters."

After splitting last season with the Angels and Phillies, Syndergaard signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Dodgers, who hoped he would help stabilize the back end of their rotation.

But Syndergaard has allowed multiple runs in nine consecutive outings -- not counting one appearance that lasted only one inning because of injury -- and the Dodgers have gone 3-7 in his 10 starts this season. Roberts would not commit to Syndergaard making his next scheduled start next week against the Reds.

"As an organization, we've got to continue to figure out which guys give us the best chance to win on a particular day as far as starters," he said. "I don't know right now the plan as far as Noah, when he's going to start next."

Syndergaard, 30, missed all of 2020 after undergoing Tommy John surgery and has a 4.71 ERA over the past two-plus seasons. The right-hander went 10-10 with a 3.94 ERA last season with the Angels and National League-champion Phillies.

Although the they have two upcoming off-days on their schedule, the first-place Dodgers also are beleaguered by injuries to their starting rotation -- including Julio Urias and Dustin May, which could provide some short-term security for Syndergaard. Dodgers star catcher Will Smith acknowledged Syndergaard is "struggling right now" but said he was confident the nine-year veteran will bounce back.

"I know Noah specifically is going to keep working his [behind] off," Smith said, according to MLB.com. "That's what he does. No doubt he'll come back at some point, whether that's his next start or his start after that. He's too good of a pitcher not to come back."

Read 125 times

Soccer

Poch: Playing in MLS no barrier to U.S. selection

Poch: Playing in MLS no barrier to U.S. selection

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsST. LOUIS -- United States manager Mauricio Pochettino said that Am...

Marta nets stellar goal, sends Pride to NWSL final

Marta nets stellar goal, sends Pride to NWSL final

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Orlando Pride advanced to their first NWSL championship with a...

Kane: England youth give Tuchel incredible options

Kane: England youth give Tuchel incredible options

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHarry Kane said incoming England coach Thomas Tuchel has been boost...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Grizzlies rookie Edey leaves win with ankle injury

Grizzlies rookie Edey leaves win with ankle injury

EmailPrintMemphis Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey exited during the second half of Sunday's win ov...

Cavs (15-0) stay unbeaten despite resting Mitchell

Cavs (15-0) stay unbeaten despite resting Mitchell

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Darius Garland scored 25 points, Ty Jerome matched his...

Baseball

Ted Williams' 1946 MVP award sells for over $500K

Ted Williams' 1946 MVP award sells for over $500K

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsA rare souvenir postcard picturing Hank Aaron as a rookie with the...

Ex-Reds manager Bell joins Blue Jays' front office

Ex-Reds manager Bell joins Blue Jays' front office

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays hired former Cincinnati Reds manag...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated