MLB

MLB Weekly Digest March 30th Edition: Mets’ Noah Syndergaard Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

By Chris Lacey

Posted on March 30, 2020

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The prior week in MLB was about a starting pitcher undergoing elbow surgery, the league and players’ association reached a relevant agreement, and a player displays generosity.

New York Mets Starting Pitcher Noah Syndergaard Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

The New York Mets will be without a critical member of their starting rotation if baseball is played this season as starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard had Tommy John surgery a couple of days ago, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard underwent successful Tommy John surgery on Thursday, a source tells ESPN. If all goes well in his recovery, he'll miss 12-14 months and return sometime in the 2021 season.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 27, 2020

The normal recovery timeframe from having Tommy John surgery takes about 12-18 months, which would sideline Syndergaard until about mid-way into the 2021 campaign.

The injury to Syndergaard is monumental to the Mets as they were relying on him to form a terrific combination at the top of their rotation with staff ace Jacob deGrom.

Syndergaard began feeling pain in his elbow before spring training was suspended.

He went to see a doctor for a second opinion, and the diagnosis of a torn elbow ligament was confirmed, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Syndergaard began feeling elbow discomfort before camp was suspended #Mets. Saw Dr. Neal ElAttrache for a 2d opinion. A diagnosis of a torn elbow ligament was confirmed. Surgery necessary, according to the #Mets

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 24, 2020

The loss of the talented right-hander hurts the Mets and Syndergaard as well.

The Mets were hoping to contend for a playoff spot, and losing a vital member of the pitching staff puts them at a significant disadvantage.

Syndergaard having the procedure, is a significant blow to him financially as he will be a free agent at the end of the 2021 season.

If he doesn’t pitch much next year, it’s unknown if teams will offer him a long-term deal when he enters free agency.

MLB And MLBPA Reach Agreement Covering Several Issues Surrounding 2020 Season

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players’ Association have reached a deal regarding many issues about the 2020 season, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association have a deal, sources tell ESPN. The players have voted on it already. MLB owners are expected to ratify it tomorrow. An excellent sign that draws a path forward as baseball tries to figure out when it will return.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 27, 2020

The agreement will have players be paid on a pro-rated basis, with $170 million in up-front money if there is no season and players will not be allowed to sue for full salaries, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.

As part of this agreement, per @Ken_Rosenthal, players can not sue for full salaries. The players will be paid on a pro-rated basis, with $170 million in up-front money if there is no season.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 27, 2020

The deal allows MLB to shorten the MLB draft to five rounds, including delaying the start of the international signing period to as late as January 2021, notes Passan.

In the deal, MLB has the right to shorten the 2020 draft to five rounds, sources tell ESPN. Additionally, it can delay the start of the international signing period to as late as January 2021.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 27, 2020

The major part of the deal is players will get credited for a full season if baseball isn’t played this year, says Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

In the event of no season, Mookie Betts, Trevor Bauer and others in that class would still be free agents, eligible to sign with new team for the 2021 season

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 27, 2020

This aspect is good news for players such as Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts and Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto and other players who have enough service time to become free agents next year.

The players and the league agreed the 2020 season wouldn’t begin unless there are no bans on mass gatherings due to coronavirus and other elements, per Passan.

The players and league agreed the 2020 MLB season won't begin until:

– There are no bans on mass gatherings that limit the ability to play in front of fans*
– There are no travel restrictions
– Medical experts determine games will not pose a risk to health of teams and fans

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 27, 2020

The unknown moving forward is how long the coronavirus pandemic will last and if baseball will be played this year.

The safety of players and fans is the most important thing.

St. Louis Cardinals Starting Pitcher Adam Wainwright Makes Generous Donation

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright and his wife, Jenny, have done a very generous thing to help minor league players within the Cardinals’ farm system during this difficult time.

They’ve donated $250,000 to aid those players in the minors, per the More Than Baseball organization announced several days ago.

Excited to announce that @UncleCharlie50 and his wife Jenny have donated $250,000 to provide assistance to Cardinals minor leaguers during the COVID-19 crisis. Press release below. pic.twitter.com/niDApEIUEj

— More Than Baseball (@mtb_org) March 26, 2020

The donation from the Wainwright’s followed an announcement by MLB, which detailed their plan to help minor league players from all 30 clubs.

A league-wide initiative has been announced for Minor League players to receive compensation between now and the scheduled start of the Minor League season. @MLB will continue to work with all 30 Clubs on the development of an industry-wide plan for compensation beyond 4/8. pic.twitter.com/Ck8Lv9uuzp

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) March 19, 2020

MLB said, “Each player who is under a Minor League Uniform Player Contract will receive a lump sum equal to the allowances that would have been paid through April 8th.”

The donation by Wainwright and his wife was a tremendous gesture and highlights he’s an individual with high character.

It was also terrific MLB stepped up in an extreme way to help players in the minors.