By Zach Gewelb
The New York Mets have named Noah Syndergaard as their Opening Day starter for Monday’s game against the Braves, according to the New York Post.
The team also announced Jacob deGrom will start the second game of the series and Matt Harvey will take the ball in the third game against Atlanta.
There are no surprises here, as it was widely expected Syndergaard would start the opener. DeGrom is the logical choice to be the team’s No. 2 starter and with Steven Matz’s status uncertain, it makes sense that the Mets would use Harvey in the No. 3 slot.
Syndergaard has performed well this spring, pitching to a 2.63 ERA in four games started and is looking to build on his stellar 2016 campaign that saw the righty emerge as a legitimate ace after going 14-9 with a 2.60 ERA and 218 strikeouts in 183 2/3 innings.
DeGrom will look to start the season off strong after only making 24 starts in 2016. His performance in Spring Training shows he is healthy and ready to battle Syndergaard for the title of staff ace.
Harvey’s return to the rotation will be something to keep an eye on, as he’ll be making his first Major League start since July 4, 2016. He underwent surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and has not seen great results this spring, but the Mets are confident Harvey will turn the page this season.
Reach reporter Zach Gewelb by e-mail at zgewe
