Mets A.J. Minter slightly ahead of schedule in slow return from hip surger

PORT ST. LUCIE A.J. Minter is still taking a conservative approach in his buildup this spring, but has not lost faith in the po sibility of making the Opening Day roster. Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. The lefty reliever, who arrived on a two-year contract worth $22 million, continues to throw bullpen se sions in camp, but is behind most of the other pitchers as somebody who is yet to face hitters in live batting practice. Minter is rehabbing from left hip surgery last summer. The training staff has been excellent, and its their Carlos Rodriguez Jersey job to kind of tell me no because I am not very good at saying no, Minter said. Minter, at just over six months since his surgery, said he is slightly ahead of where he anticipated for late February. Thats where we have to be smart and not push because I am feeling good, Minter said, adding that he was initially given a return schedule of seven to nine months. A.J. Minter throws a pitch during a Mets spring training practice earlier this month. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Manager Carlos Mendoza has indicated he would like to get Minter into five or six games this spring. For now, Minter has sights on throwing a handful of additional bullpens before considering when he might advance to facing hitters in live batting practice. Explore More Brandon Waddell is one of the depth pieces the Mets brought in this offseason as a potential option for the rotation. Injuries to Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea have only opened the door wider for Waddell. He pitched in a game for the first time in America since 2022, during the 8-5 lo s to the Astros on Tuesday, to sing 1/ innings while giving up two unearned runs, two hits and a walk. Waddell, 30, pitched in Korea and China the past three years before signing a minor league deal with the Mets this offseason. He last pitched in MLB in 2021, with the Cardinals, and spent time in their spring training the following year. Brandon Waddell throws a pitch in the first inning of the Mets in the first inning of the Mets 8-5 exhibition lo s to the Astros on Feb. 25, 2025. Corey Sipkin for New York Post Its different [pitching in America], for sure Waddell said Tuesday. But its definitely nice to be back. Its a whole different experience overseas. Just a good part of my career. I really enjoyed my time over there. Kodai Senga will throw a few more live batting practices before starting a Grapefruit League game, Mendoza said. He is set to throw a live BP on Wednesday. He pitched just 10/ innings all of last year due to shoulder and calf injuries. Joel Payamps Jersey