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ATLANTA – As the Mets search for healthy pitchers to fill their rotation, one potential upgrade took a significant step toward returning Wednesday.

Noah Syndergaard, in his first minor league rehab appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery nearly 14 months ago, fired four shutout innings for Single-A St. Lucie in Jupiter, Fla. The right-hander allowed one hit and struck out six batters.

According to a scout at the game, Syndergaard’s fastball sat in the 93-95 mph range. Syndergaard also showed his curveball, changeup and cutter.

“His delivery looked under control,” the scout said. “He used all his pitches, good job. I am not concerned about the velocity, it will come back.”

Syndergaard averaged 97.8 mph with his four-seam fastball in 2019.

“First outing,” the scout said. “Right where he needs to be.”

Syndergaard is expected to remain with St. Lucie through the end of the month before the Mets potentially move him to a higher level. Acting general manager Zack Scott has previously indicated Syndergaard is on track for a mid-June return.

The Mets need healthy bodies, as they await a decision on Jacob deGrom (who has been on the IL with right side tightness) and Taijuan Walker (who left his last start after only three innings because of left side tightness). Another key rotation piece, Carlos Carrasco, hasn’t thrown a pitch for the Mets this season as he rehabs from a torn right hamstring sustained in spring training.

Syndergaard, who can head to free agency after this season, went 10-8 with a 4.28 ERA in 32 starts for the Mets in 2019.

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