Mets to call up Noah Syndergaard

Earlier this evening, Mets GM Sandy Alderson announced that starter Dillon Gee will be placed on the disabled list with a groin injury. Sandy didn't hesitate to announce who will start in place of Gee on Tuesday…..just their top prospect Noah Syndergaard.

I have to admit this is a little earlier than I expected, but Syndergaard has been absolutely dominant in his last few starts in AAA, and appears to be ready for the big leagues. After going 9-7 with a 4.60 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP in 25 starts in AAA last year, Syndergaard has made five starts this season, going 3-0 with 1.82 ERA, 3.05 FIP, a 0.94 WHIP and a 34-8 strikeout to walk ratio in 29.2 innings. He has been especially dominant over his last three starts, winning all three, and giving up just two earned runs on 11 hits and a 27-2 strikeout to walk rate over 22 innings.

Syndergaard replaces Gee who is 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA, 3.92 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 30.1 innings over his five starts. Gee is the Mets fifth starter, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Syndergaard stay up even after Gee comes off the disabled list, assuming he performs well on the mound.

Syndergaard gets to face the Cubs at Wrigley Field in his major league debut on Tuesday night. With as much talk that we hear about how much the Astros lineup strikes out, the Cubs young lineup has struck out just two fewer times this season, so Syndergaard has a good chance to rack up some strikeouts on Tuesday night. Assuming he pitches well, he will face the Brewers at Citi Field next Sunday and then the Pirates in Pittsburgh the following Friday. The Brewers and Pirates rank 26th and 27th in runs scored heading into Friday's games, so Syndergaard has three pretty good match ups in the next two weeks.

I think he can remain in the Mets rotation for good, and fantasy owners should grab him off their league waiver wire if he is still available. He gets to pitch in the National League East where you have two of the worst teams in the game in the Phillies and Braves.  Will he struggle? Sure. All young starting pitchers struggle. But he should have more good outings than bad outings.

For more on the Syndergaard call up and the Mets, make sure you check out Amazin Avenue, SB Nation's Mets fan site.