NEW YORK -- Noah Syndergaard took his time between throws, concentrating on his target, periodically glancing back at pitching coach Dan Warthen. Syndergaard threw just 20 pitches at less than 100 percent Tuesday in his first bullpen session since tearing his right lat muscle April 30 in Washington. He wanted to be sure to fire each one with conviction.
For Syndergaard, it was the next significant step in his road back from a disabled-list stint that will ultimately cost him more than two-thirds of this season. Pitching off a mound for the first time at Yankee Stadium, Syndergaard inched closer to a Minor League rehab assignment and, ultimately, a return to the Mets.