It was reported on Wednesday that two of the New York Mets’ young flamethrowers, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz, are both suffering from bone spurs in their throwing elbows. Bone spurs in the elbow can develop as a result of trauma to the elbow or as a result of overuse of the elbow. Over time, these spurs (also known as osteophytes) can become larger and begin to cause pain and discomfort in the elbow. In severe cases, the spurs can result in damage to the tendons or ligaments of the elbow.
Despite the similarities in both Syndergaard and Matz’s injuries, the severity of their injuries varies. With regard to Syndergaard, Mets General Manager Sandy Aldersen stated that the bone spur was “very small” and “really insignificant,” and that at this time surgery may not be required to deal with it. Instead, Syndergaard will be treated with a course of anti-infammatory medications to reduce the discomfort.
An an interview with CBS Radio on Wednesday morning, Syndergaard confirmed the presence of the bone spur but stated that there was no structural damage and assured that he will be able to pitch through the injury.
However, the spur in Matz’s throwing elbow is significantly larger and causing more discomfort. It has been recommended that Matz undergo a surgical procedure to remove the spur and the Mets are hoping to wait until the offseason for this procedure.
When asked about Matz, Aldersen said, “At this point it’s a function of whether he can tolerate the discomfort while continuing to pitch,” Alderson said. “What we will do is monitor that level of discomfort, monitor his mechanics to make sure whatever discomfort he has doesn’t cause him to do something that might lead to something else, and we’ll monitor it on a start-by-start basis.”
Team doctors have assured the Mets that neither pitcher is at risk of ligament damage by continuing to pitch through these injuries. “If I’m claiming to be able to pitch, then I have no excuses,” Matz said. “I expect myself to go out and pitch like I can.”
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