PORT ST. LUCIE — A.J. Minter remains to be taking a conservative method in his buildup this spring, however has not misplaced religion in the potential of making the Opening Day roster.
The lefty reliever, who arrived on a two-year contract value $22 million, continues to throw bullpen periods in camp, however is behind many of the different pitchers as any individual who’s but to face hitters in dwell batting observe.
Minter is rehabbing from left hip surgical procedure final summer season.
“The training staff has been excellent, and it’s their job to kind of tell me no because I am not very good at saying no,” Minter stated.
Minter, at simply over six months since his surgical procedure, stated he’s barely forward of the place he anticipated for late February.
“That’s where we have to be smart and not push because I am feeling good,” Minter stated, including that he was initially given a return schedule of seven to 9 months.
Supervisor Carlos Mendoza has indicated he want to get Minter into 5 or 6 video games this spring.
For now, Minter has sights on throwing “a handful” of further bullpens earlier than contemplating when he would possibly advance to dealing with hitters in dwell batting observe.
Brandon Waddell is among the depth items the Mets introduced on this offseason as a possible possibility for the rotation. Accidents to Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea have solely opened the door wider for Waddell.
He pitched in a sport for the primary time in America since 2022, through the 8-5 loss to the Astros on Tuesday, tossing 1 ¹/₃ innings whereas giving up two unearned runs, two hits and a stroll.
Waddell, 30, pitched in Korea and China the previous three years earlier than signing a minor league cope with the Mets this offseason. He final pitched in MLB in 2021, with the Cardinals, and hung out of their spring coaching the next yr.
“It’s different [pitching in America], for sure” Waddell stated Tuesday. “But it’s definitely nice to be back. It’s a whole different experience overseas. Just a good part of my career. … I really enjoyed my time over there.”
Kodai Senga will throw a couple of extra dwell batting practices earlier than beginning a Grapefruit League sport, Mendoza stated.
He’s set to throw a dwell BP on Wednesday. He pitched simply 10 ¹/₃ innings all of final yr because of shoulder and calf accidents.
