Noah Syndergaard: New York Met's P denies reports he has elbow problem

Pitching, all of a sudden, is an endangered commodity for the New York Mets.

On the heels of reports that starter Steven Matz is dealing with bone spurs in his elbow, come other reports that fellow starter Noah Syndergaard also is suffering from a bone spur or bone chip in his pitching elbow.

Syndergaard went on the defensive after Monday's 11-4 loss to the Washington National when asked about the health of his elbow.

"I do not, no. My arm feels great," Syndergaard told reporters, when asked about possibly have a bone spur. "No, there is nothing structurally wrong with (the elbow), wear and tear will do it to you. My arm feels really good. I just have to get ready to go in five days."

Syndergaard was given a 4-0 lead, which vanished quickly, on Monday. He threw only 71 pitches in three innings as his record fell to 8-3. He allowed seven hits and five runs, and the Mets staff allowed a season-high 17 hits.

"I just wasn't able to locate. It is frustrating, kind of embarrassing," Syndergaard said.

Syndergaard had an MRI on his elbow last week that the Mets said revealed "no structural damage." They did, however, say he's dealing with discomfort and taking anti-inflammatory medication.

Earlier on Monday, Matz had an MRI, which revealed bone spurs. He is expected to miss his next start on Wednesday.