According to an industry source, Noah Syndergaard’s planned rehab for Single-A Brooklyn began on Sunday because it tested positive for COVID-19.
The Mets initially said the right-hander was out due to a “non-baseball injury.”
The source said there is no concern, at this time it is possible that Syndergaard has spread the virus to the Mets clubhouse.
Syndergaard is vaccinated, according to manager Luis Rojas, who would not confirm that the launcher has the virus.
It is unclear when Syndergaard will be eliminated to resume training.
Rojas said he learned of Syndergaard’s situation on Saturday.
Syndergaard, who turned 29 on Sunday, tweeted, “This birthday is so sick.”
The Mets have hoped Syndergaard, who is trying to return from Tommy John’s surgery in March 2020, will be a bullpen option next month. On Thursday he threw an entry for Brooklyn, rendering a home run. It was scheduled to extend beyond an entry Sunday.
Even if Syndergaard returns he won’t be with all his arsenal – he has been medically advised to refrain from throwing his slider and curve this season. It leaves Syndergaard a quick ball and a change, which the Mets believe will be a sustainable recipe that works for one or two innings.