A number of recovering Mets gamers are taking steps ahead of various size.
A.J. Minter is hopeful he will be prepared by Opening Day; Ronny Mauricio is progressing (however not sprinting); Dedniel Nunez is throwing and “healthy,” supervisor Carlos Mendoza mentioned; and Paul Blackburn has returned to a mound.
About two weeks earlier than spring coaching begins, Minter himself mentioned he’s feeling “really good” following hip surgical procedure, and Mendoza supplied typically optimistic outlooks for a trio of returning Mets gamers who ended the season on the injured checklist.
Minter, talking publicly for the primary time because the Mets signed him to a two-year, $22 million pact, mentioned he has not but begun throwing from a mound following August surgical procedure that ended his 2024 season early.
The lefty, who spent his first eight seasons with the Braves, was on crutches for eight weeks however mentioned he’s now in a position to do common actions.
He hopes to be on a mound within the subsequent week.
“I don’t want to put a date on it, but the goal for me personally … is to be ready close to Opening Day,” Minter mentioned from Citi Discipline for Amazin’ Day on Saturday.
Mauricio missed your entire 2024 marketing campaign after tearing his ACL the earlier offseason, and he required a follow-up surgical procedure in late July to take away scar tissue from his proper knee. About 13 months after the preliminary damage, the younger infielder continues to be not operating all out.
“We’re going to take it slow with him,” Mendoza mentioned of Mauricio. “This is a guy that missed the whole year last year and had some setbacks, but we like where he’s at physically right now. He’s doing baseball activities. He’s hitting in the cages, he’s taking ground balls. He’s throwing.”
He’s within the center, however not finish, of a operating development and won’t be sprinting at the beginning of camp.
This season shall be necessary for Mauricio, a stable prospect who debuted in 2023 and will issue into a contest at third base if Pete Alonso (or one other nook infielder) isn’t added.
Nunez, a revelation final season in posting a 2.31 ERA in 35 innings, missed all of September and October with what the staff referred to as proper forearm tightness.
Mendoza mentioned the righty has thrown bullpen classes on the staff’s academy within the Dominican Republic and not too long ago accomplished a velocity program.
“Now we’re going to start building up him again,” Mendoza mentioned.
Blackburn might be the furthest away of this group.
The righty underwent a cerebrospinal fluid leak restore on Oct. 11, after which the membership estimated a 4-5 month timetable for a return.
Mendoza mentioned Blackburn returned to a mound this week however just for mild throws.
“He’s progressing well,” Mendoza mentioned of Blackburn, who initiatives as rotation depth when he’s wholesome and stretched out.
Francisco Lindor, who was restricted by again discomfort late final season, mentioned he feels nice.
“I feel like I’m in a good spot,” Lindor mentioned.
Clay Holmes, who’s transitioning from Yankees reliever to Mets starter, reported to Port St. Lucie a couple of week in the past.
“There’s a very detailed throwing buildup all the way to the end of spring,” Holmes mentioned. “Probably start throwing to hitters a little earlier, just to make sure that buildup goes smoothly and things aren’t rushed. The big thing is, I feel like there’s a plan in place.”
Terry Collins not too long ago had breakfast with Yoenis Cespedes, who’s 39 and final performed within the majors in 2020 (when he opted out of the season after eight video games), and reported the previous star outfielder “looks great” and nonetheless needs to return to the majors and to the Mets.
“He does want to come back,” Collins mentioned. “I told him if anybody can do it, he can do it.”
