Mets place Syndergaard on DL due to viral infection

New York Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard spent part of his All-Star break working with a youth camp.

As it turns out, the volunteer work might have led Syndergaard to contract a viral infection that is common in young children.

The Mets placed the hard-throwing right-hander on the 10-day disabled list Sunday evening after he was diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease. The illness causes painful red sores and blisters and typically diminishes after about a week.

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Mets assistant general manager Joe Ricco told reporters Syndergaard might miss only one start. The diagnosis could explain Syndergaard's fatigue and diminished velocity Friday in an outing against the New York Yankees. Syndergaard gave up eight hits but just one run in five innings, and he still emerged the winner as the Mets prevailed 7-5.

"It took its toll the other night," Mets manager Mickey Callaway told the team's official website. "He had trouble breathing, and that's why you saw his (velocity) down. During the game, we couldn't quite figure it out. But I put my hands on his legs to talk to him when he came out, and I felt his legs shaking. He was just weak and run-down."

Syndergaard, 25, missed almost two months earlier this season because of a strained ligament in his right index finger. He is 6-1 with a 2.89 ERA in 13 starts this year.

New York expects to promote right-hander Corey Oswalt from Triple-A Las Vegas to take Syndergaard's spot. Oswalt, 24, is 0-2 with a 5.64 ERA in five games (four starts) with the Mets this season. In 10 starts for Las Vegas, he is 4-4 with a 5.32 ERA.

Oswalt likely will start Wednesday against the visiting San Diego Padres, Callaway said.

--Field Level Media