Mets' Noah Syndergaard: Throws 70 pitches in minors contest Saturday

Syndergaard worked five innings and threw 70 pitches in Saturday's minor league game, striking out eight and walking two, the New York Daily News reports. "His command has gotten a lot better each and every time," said catcher Travis d'Arnaud, who also played in the game. "Today he was putting his fastball where he wanted, throwing his curveball wherever he wanted it. Using his changeup whenever he wanted it. Using his slider to get ground balls whenever he wanted to."

The Mets wanted Robert Gsellman to face big league hitters Saturday as they evaluate him for the fifth starter role, so Thor got to toy with minor leaguers instead. Syndergaard will get two more spring starts before Opening Day, but it doesn't look like he needs them.