Report: Syndergaard gets 'positive' second opinion on ailing lat

The New York Mets received some mildly encouraging news Thursday, as Dr. Neal ElAttrache confirmed the original diagnosis of a partially torn right lat for Noah Syndergaard, finding no further damage in what one source deemed an "all positive" second opinion, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

The Mets have not provided a timetable for Syndergaard's return, but general manager Sandy Alderson admitted earlier this week that the 24-year-old right-hander will miss "a considerable amount of time." It was reported Wednesday that Syndergaard - who was scratched due to a "tired arm" last week but refused to undergo an MRI before injuring his lat Sunday in Washington - could miss up to three months.

Pulled from Sunday's outing in the second inning with obvious discomfort in his right underarm area, Syndergaard posted a heartfelt note on Twitter after being placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday in which he lamented not being able to "be on the field during this time for all of you" while noting the Mets are "strong" and "will thrive."

"I HATE not competing and being with my teammates, but I promise I will come away from this experience stronger and with a renewed passion and respect for the game," Syndergaard wrote.

Syndergaard, an All-Star for the first time last year, managed a 3.29 ERA (127 ERA+) with a 1.10 WHIP in five starts before landing on the DL, notching 32 strikeouts without allowing a home run in 27 1/3 innings.