Mets unveil Syndergaard at Wrigley Field

(SportsNetwork.com) - The starting rotation New York Mets fans envisioned is almost complete.

Right-hander Noah Syndergaard makes his big league debut on Tuesday when the Mets continue a four-game series with the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

One of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, Syndergaard will take the rotation spot of Dillon Gee, who is out with a mild groin strain. The lanky hurler has dominated at Triple-A Las Vegas, pitching to a 1.82 ERA with 34 strikeouts in five starts.

"He's got a live fastball, we all know that," catcher Kevin Plawecki said. "His command has been really good, when I was down (in Triple-A) I saw that. He mixes in change of speeds really well, and that's something I know he's been working at."

Chicago, meanwhile, will turn to righty Jake Arrieta, who has lost his last two starts. Arrieta fell in St. Louis on Thursday, as he allowed five runs (4 earned) and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. He also struck out seven, but fell to 3-3 on the year to go along with a 3.41 ERA.

Arrieta has faced the Mets three times and is 0-1 against them with a 2.41 ERA.

Chicago drew first blood in this series on Monday, as Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo homered and the Cubs eked out a 4-3 victory.

Addison Russell also supplied an RBI single for the Cubs, who bounced back after dropping their final two games against the Brewers.

Starter Jon Lester (3-2) earned the win after giving up three runs on five hits and four walks with six strikeouts in six innings of work.

"I think Jon is just fine," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Lester. "I see him getting better every time out."

Lucas Duda and Wilmer Flores hit consecutive homers during the sixth inning, while Jacob deGrom (3-4) gave up four runs on five hits and four walks over five frames for the Mets, who lost for only the second time in six tries.

"It boils down to location," said deGrom. "Tonight I struggled with it and I think that kind of makes me get off my game plan."

The Cubs won five of seven versus the Mets last season, sweeping a three-game set at home.