Syndergaard making progress and aiming to pitch again in 2017

CHICAGO -- Noah Syndergaard (right torn lat) played catch at Wrigley Field for the second straight day Wednesday, and the next step is for him to throw a bullpen session.

The righty recently had a setback as he did not pitch in simulated game due to general soreness, but he and the team are hopeful he can return later this month. Syndergaard made two rehab starts prior to experiencing soreness, tossing three innings total.

If Syndergaard can return to the majors, it should give him and the team a better sense of where he stands heading into 2018, when the Mets expect to contend. 

Syndergaard has been sidelined since late April, and is 1-2 with a 3.29 ERA in five starts. The rotation has struggled in his extended absence.

Rest helps

Infielder Asdrubal Cabrera has been on fire since the end of August, and Mets manager Terry Collins believes Cabrera is benefiting from receiving more days off. 

Cabrera went 1-for-3 in the 17-5 loss to the Cubs on Wednesday.

"He’s really swinging well right now. He was one of those guys we really pressed into service a lot and the rest has helped him a little bit," Collins said. "Been trying to get him some days off and some energy is coming back a little bit which has helped him also.”

Injury updates

Reliever Erik Goeddel participated in limited baseball activities in New York on Wednesday. He was prescribed medication for dizziness and blurred vision. 

Infielder T.J. Rivera will undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Thursday. Rivera hit .290 with a .760 OPS in his second season in the majors.

Briefs

The Braves announced the hiring of ex-Mets official Adam Fisher as their assistant general manager. Fisher had been with the Mets since 2003, and was serving as the team's senior director of baseball operations. ...Catcher Kevin Plawecki went 0-for-1 with three walks while batting cleanup for the first time ...Catcher Tomas Nido made his debut and flied out as a pinch hitter. ...Jose Reyes is tied with Darryl Strawberry for the second-most extra-base hits with 469 after his leadoff homer off Jon Lester.