Mets' Syndergaard will make next start

Despite leaving Wednesday's outing with elbow discomfort, New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard won't miss his next turn in the rotation, as manager Terry Collins has confirmed the 23-year-old will start Monday in Washington.

Though Syndergaard was prescribed some anti-inflammatory medication by team orthopedist Dr. David Altchek, an MRI on his elbow revealed no structural damage after he exited his start against against the Kansas City Royals after six innings.

"I was very relieved," Collins said after receiving promising reports on both Syndergaard and ailing outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. "I know they're tough guys. The one thing they don't want to be accused of is every time there's a little something wrong, coming in and saying, 'Hey look, my arm (hurts).' But that's OK. That's part of their job."

Syndergaard, who previously dealt with elbow discomfort in May, endured a slight dip in velocity during Wednesday's abbreviated outing, but the young right-hander alleviated concern over his elbow with a cheery Instagram post following his examination at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Through 14 starts and one relief appearances in 2016, Syndergaard boasts a 2.08 ERA (189 ERA+) with a 0.99 WHIP, managing a 30.8 percent strikeout rate while allowing just five home runs in 91 innings.

"We're bending over backwards to try and protect him," Collins said. "The last thing we need is for him to go out there and try to pitch through discomfort. So I'm glad he's OK. I know he'll make his next start."