For MLB pitchers, Tommy John surgery has a high success rate these days.
It’s not the death sentence it used to be.
However, that doesn’t mean every pitcher will necessarily regain his pre-surgery form.
Just ask Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Noah Syndergaard.
The Dodgers placed him on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his right index finger on Thursday.
He has been dealing with the issue for a while, but it’s a perfect excuse for the Dodgers to have him hit the reset button.
It’s a necessary thing, as his season has been a disaster.
Dodgers insider Fabian Ardaya has more details.
“Noah Syndergaard’s ERA through 12 starts is 7.16. Among pitchers in franchise history, it’s the third-worst start to a season of any Dodgers pitcher ever. Worst ERA, first 12 starts of a season (LAD): Hideo Nomo – 7.26 (2004); Carlos Pérez – 7.25 (1999); Syndergaard – 7.16 (2023),” he tweeted.
Noah Syndergaard's ERA through 12 starts is 7.16. Among pitchers in franchise history, it's the third-worst start to a season of any Dodgers pitcher ever.
Worst ERA, first 12 starts of a season (LAD):
Hideo Nomo – 7.26 (2004)
Carlos Pérez – 7.25 (1999)
Syndergaard – 7.16 (2023)— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) June 8, 2023
You have to be very bad to post a 7.16 ERA at the MLB level for 12 starts.
In Syndergaard’s defense, it’s fair to say he never recovered his pre-Tommy John fastball.
Before undergoing the surgery in the spring of 2020, his fastball used to average 97-98 mph.
After returning in late 2021, it checked in at 94-95 mph.
This year?
92.8 mph.
The trend is extremely worrisome.
Syndergaard used to just blow fastballs past hitters with relative ease.
He doesn’t have that option anymore because his fastball has lost zip and has become extremely hittable.
He might need to change his pitching philosophy and strategy to extend his MLB career, otherwise he risks running out of chances.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals Noah Syndergaard Injury Update
