BROOKLYN — The Mets’ inability to support their elite starters extends, it seems, down the minor-league ladder.



Despite five strong innings Sunday, Noah Syndergaard couldn’t earn a win over even the Staten Island Yankees while pitching for the Low-A Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park.



We jest, because the day was relievingly mundane for Syndergaard. Pitching competitively for the first time since suffering a strained ligament in his right index finger May 25 in Milwaukee, Syndergaard limited the Yankees to a run on two hits over five. More importantly, that finger felt fine. Barring an unexpected setback, Syndergaard should pitch Friday for the Mets against the Nationals at Citi Field.



“Overall, the finger was holding up nice,” he said. “It feels good. Can’t wait to get out there in a big-league setting.”



The minor-league setting, of course, presents its challenges — some unique and others not.