Struggling Syndergaard feels like 'only weak link' on Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Noah Syndergaard is at a loss for words to describe his struggles to start the 2023 season.

Syndergaard allowed five earned runs and three home runs on seven hits in Wednesday's 10-6 loss to the Washington Nationals. The hurler's ERA has ballooned to 6.54 through his first 11 starts of the season.

"It really sucks. Right now, I just feel like I'm the only weak link on this team," Syndergaard said postgame, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. "I want to go out there and compete and be successful for the other guys in this clubhouse, but it's just not working out."

The Dodgers signed Syndergaard to a one-year, $13-million contract in the offseason to bolster their rotation.

The 30-year-old is averaging a career-low 92.2 mph with his fastball this season and has struggled to regain his velocity since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020.

"I would give my hypothetical firstborn to be the old me again," Syndergaard said, according to MLB.com's Juan Toribio. "I'll do anything possible to get back to that."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was noncommittal when asked if Syndergaard would take the mound for his next scheduled start against the Cincinnati Reds.

"I don't know. The hope is that he does," Roberts told Toribio. "Right now, I just don't want to answer that question."