ANAHEIM, Calif. — A.J. Minter returned to Queens during the Mets’ last homestand to work out in front of team officials. The next time his teammates see him, he is expected to be an active player.
The lefty reliever’s minor league rehab assignment is set to expire Thursday, so Minter will join the team on this road trip no later than the series that begins in Arizona next Friday, barring a physical setback.
Minter, who is rehabbing from surgery to repair a lat tear, was scheduled to pitch Friday for Triple-A Syracuse and may then be utilized pitching twice in three days as the final test before his return.
The Mets will welcome that presence to a unit that has underperformed lately.
Most notably, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams — the team’s two biggest offseason relief acquisitions — have struggled in big spots. Though both got the job done in Friday’s 4-3 win over the Angels.
A.J. Minter pitches against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on April 8, 2025. Getty Images
As for Minter, he arrived before last season on a two-year contract worth $22 million, but appeared in just 13 games before tearing the lat.
His velocity has sat in the low 90s in his rehab outings.
“I feel for the guys here and I want to do my part, whatever that role may be,” Minter said during his visit to Citi Field. “I am confident with myself and know I can get big league hitters out. I just might have to pitch a little bit more rather than throw 97 down the middle and get swings and misses. I am confident I can help this team.”
A.J. Minter walks off the field after an injury during the game against the Nationals at Nationals Park on April 26, 2025 in Washington. Getty Images
Infielder Andy Ibanez reported to the Mets and was activated before Friday’s win.
Eric Wagaman was optioned to Syracuse. Ibanez, who did not play Friday, was claimed off waivers from the Athletics.
Juan Soto reached base in a 17th straight game when he drew a walk in the fourth inning and added a base hit in the sixth, extending the longest streak such streak to begin a season in his career.