Thor sharp in much-anticipated spring debut

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Noah Syndergaard impressed in the Angels’ 7-2 win over the A’s on Monday, allowing just one hit and one walk over 3 2/3 innings with four strikeouts in his Cactus League debut.

Syndergaard’s first outing came in a Minor League game on Tuesday, so he was excited to pitch in front of a crowd at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The right-hander was hurt by three errors, including two in the first inning that led to an unearned run scoring, but he looked sharp overall with his fastball touching 95 mph. He threw 60 pitches and came away pleased, especially after throwing just two innings with the Mets last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2020.

"I felt really good, and not just because it was the first time that I got to go out there and compete," Syndergaard said. "The two innings last year, I don't really count that. It was my first time in a long time where I was able to grab the ball, get on the mound and not really think about my delivery. I was able to execute pitches."

Syndergaard, 29, was restricted from throwing any breaking pitches last year as part of his recovery from Tommy John surgery, but he used his whole arsenal against Oakland. His slider was especially sharp and he believes his curveball is also coming along.

"It was really encouraging," Syndergaard said. "I wish I could’ve thrown my curveball for more strikes. But that’s what Spring Training is for. You can get reps in and force yourself to get into some uncomfortable situations. It helps you compete when that moment actually comes in the regular season."

Syndergaard, who signed a one-year deal worth $21 million in November, said he views this upcoming season as the biggest one of his career. He was considered one of the best pitchers in baseball during his time with the Mets, posting a 3.32 ERA with 777 strikeouts in 718 innings, but now has to prove he's still that kind of pitcher.

Manager Joe Maddon said he plans on meeting with Syndergaard on Monday to discuss how the club plans to utilize him this year. Syndergaard is expected to be on some sort of innings limit, though being part of a six-man rotation should help keep him fresh and lower his innings total. He’s scheduled to make his next start against the Dodgers in an exhibition game at Angel Stadium on Sunday and is lined up to be the club’s No. 3 starter behind two-way star Shohei Ohtani and lefty Patrick Sandoval.

"I have to believe there's a little bit of an edge working in there right now," Maddon said. "He's got to be a little bit excited about this. I try to avoid any kind of brilliant conversation with a guy like this in this situation. I just prefer watching and then talking to him afterwards."

Maddon said he's hoping that Syndergaard will be able to put up an innings total similar to what Ohtani provided last year. Ohtani, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2018, threw just 1 2/3 innings in 2020 after being shut down with a forearm/elbow injury, but he bounced back to make 23 starts and post a 3.18 ERA with 156 strikeouts over 130 1/3 innings.

"I'd like it to look like Shohei last year," Maddon said. "I want to listen to him and find out what his expectations are. That's what I'm talking about. From my perspective, my expectations are whatever he can do and not try to set any limits."