The New York Mets were dealt a very tough blow when their star pitcher Noah Syndergaard went down with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He will require Tommy John surgery and per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Syndergaard will be out of action until at least April 2021.

“New York Mets starter Noah Syndergaard has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery in the near future, sources tell ESPN. The procedure will keep him out until at earliest April 2021 and likely into the summer months,” Passan tweeted.

Syndergaard was 10-8 with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 197 2/3 innings over 32 starts last season. The right-hander recorded 202 strikeouts but he missed consistency and posted a 4.93 ERA in his last six games.

The Mets wanted Syndergaard, reigning two-time National League Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom and Marcus Stroman to form a formidable trio at the top of their starting rotation. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2016 and 2020 was the year when they were supposed to have a decent shot to go far.

Syndergaard was destined to do big things. He was acquired in 2012 as part of the trade that sent R.A. Dickey to the Blue Jays. The 27-year-old posted a career-low 2.60 ERA in 183 2/3 innings over 31 games (30 starts) in 2016. The Mets now have to come up with a backup plan for this unexpected injury. It won’t be easy but they have some options, including former American League Cy Young Award winners Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha, who were signed as free agents.