Report: Syndergaard expected to return to Mets Friday

Thor's return appears ever so close.

New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard is expected to make his first start in more than a month Friday against the Washington Nationals, reports Tim Healey of Newsday.

Syndergaard has been out of action since late May with a strained ligament in his right index finger. He'll pitch as long as his bullpen session on Wednesday goes well.

The hard-throwing 25-year-old was initially supposed to miss one or two starts after reporting finger soreness following a May 26 start. A second opinion on the finger revealed a strain, however, which required more time off.

Syndergaard looked healthy and sharp during a rehab outing Sunday in Low-A Brooklyn, striking out seven.

He's 4-1 with a 3.06 ERA in 11 starts, tallying 76 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings.