After six MLB seasons as a Met in the Mets-Phillies rivalry, Noah Syndergaard will soon take the mound for Philadelphia and face his former team -- something he has been anticipating.
Syndergaard debuted Thursday for the Phillies in a 5-4, five-inning win over the Washington Nationals and is on track to start against the Mets Aug. 20 or 21.
"It will be exciting," Syndergaard said this week, via NJ Advance Media's Bill Evans. "I didn't get to face them when they came to Anaheim (in June). I'm looking forward to it, seeing some of the old guys."
The Angels dealt Syndergaard to the Phillies right before the MLB trade deadline Tuesday, ending a brief tenure in Los Angeles.
Syndergaard signed a reported one-year, $21 million contract with the Angels last November after the Mets extended a qualifying offer.
"It's pretty crazy, being with the Mets for the longest time, I never pictured myself in a Phillies uniform," said Syndergaard, who went 47-31 in 121 games (120 starts) while pitching to a 3.32 ERA and 1.162 WHIP over 718 IP from 2015-21 with the Mets. "But I couldn't be more proud to sport the powder blue. I'm thrilled and blessed to be in this clubhouse to play for a very good team and a contender that has expectations to make it all the way to the top.
"The hairs stood up on the back of my neck when I heard my name announced and heard the crowd (cheer). I understand Phillie fans are passionate and want to win. I was on the other side for six years, so I know how passionate the fan base is."
The Mets host the Phillies next Friday through Sunday, Aug. 14, but Syndergaard is slated to miss the series based on his turn in the rotation.
He is currently set to start next Wednesday against the Miami Marlins and the following Monday, Aug. 16.
In a rain-shortened game Thursday against the Nationals, Syndergaard surrendered four runs on 11 hits over five innings, striking out two and throwing 79 pitches (56 strikes).