Although Noah Syndergaard is in the mix to start for the National League in Tuesday's All-Star Game in San Diego, he doesn't appear to be a safe bet to earn the honor.
At least that's the impression left by the ultimate decision-maker, Mets manager Terry Collins, who will also manage the NL All-Stars.
Syndergaard (9-3, 2.41) is pitching with a small bone spur in his elbow, a factor that Collins said "weighs enormously" in his decision to name a starter by Monday. Of course, the Mets right-hander is also facing some stiff competition.
The Cubs' Jake Arrieta (12-3, 2.33) and the Giants' Madison Bumgarner (9-4, 2.09) have positioned themselves to make the start over Syndergaard, a first-time all-star.
"They're some other guys that are pretty good, too," Collins said. "It's a nice group to select from."
