PORT ST. LUCIE — This was a giant step for A.J. Minter.
The Mets’ new lefty reliever, signed to a two-year, $22 million contract with an opt-out after this season, confronted hitters on Sunday for the primary time since present process hip surgical procedure in August.
It got here throughout a batting observe session at Clover Park because the Mets traveled to Fort Myers for his or her Grapefruit League sport towards the Pink Sox.
“Physically felt good,” Minter stated on Sunday. “That’s all I can really ask for. I threw a lot of strikes, I think I threw too many strikes. Wish I got some more swings and misses, the competitor in me wishes I would’ve gone out there and struck everyone out, but it being the first time facing hitters since August, I was happy with it. Checked the box today, and on to the next one.”
Minter, who spent the primary eight years of his profession with the rival Braves, believes he’s forward of the place he anticipated to be right now.
He’ll throw one other session of batting observe earlier than figuring out if he’s able to get in a sport.
It’ll be an in depth name whether or not he’s prepared for Opening Day, however Minter doesn’t need to race towards the clock.
“I think I annoy the trainers and the coaches too much about sprinting and doing stuff in the weight room like, ‘I can do more, I can do more,’ but they’re holding the reins on me,” Minter stated. “We’re gonna be smart about this. If I have to miss a few days or a couple weeks, my goal is to help this team at the end of the season. We’re definitely gonna be smart about this.”
Minter, 31, has already discovered that lesson.
“I’m a competitor, I want to be ready,” Minter stated. “However as I become old, as I’m a bit bit wiser, I’ve gone previously the place I rushed via spring trainings and it damage me within the season. In 2019, I acquired in a automotive accident in spring coaching, acquired a cortisone shot in my shoulder, rushed again, missed opening weekend, and I by no means went on a rehab project, simply had like two stay [batting practices]. Rushed again and ended up having a horrible season, acquired despatched down.
“I think learning from the past, you have to get your work in. You can’t just rush in and not face live hitters, games, it’s a different adrenaline rush, a different pace. We’re definitely gonna be smart.”
