Mets left-handed reliever A.J. Minter is advancing in his rehab after sustaining a torn lat muscle in April 2025. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Minter is expected to participate in his first live batting practice session next week as part of his ongoing recovery process. The former Atlanta Brave aims to pitch in at least one Grapefruit League game before spring training concludes, although his comeback lags about a month behind his Mets bullpen peers.
Recent Mets Performance and Player Updates
The Mets suffered a 6-0 defeat against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, with Jonah Tong allowing three runs over 2 2/3 innings and Carson Benge collecting three hits. During the game, Tong spoke with Michelle Margaux of SNY about adding a cutter to his pitching arsenal, a move he is refining through spring training to improve his effectiveness on the mound.
Latest Developments Across Major League Baseball
Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer is set to return to the Toronto Blue Jays, as reported late Wednesday by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Scherzer posted a 5.19 ERA across 17 regular-season appearances last year with the Blue Jays, who advanced to Game 7 of the World Series. Meanwhile, Jesse Rogers of ESPN provided an update on the Advanced Baseball System (ABS), noting a 53% overturn rate from 302 challenges during five days of spring training, with pitchers and catchers holding a 54% success rate and batters achieving a 51% overturn rate.
Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed that the Pittsburgh Pirates are actively pursuing a contract extension with their highly regarded first-round pick from 2024, Konnor Griffin. Both Griffin and the Pirates appear open to talks as the likelihood increases that Griffin will secure a spot on the opening day roster. Additionally, the Arizona Diamondbacks‘ projected Opening Day starter Merrill Kelly has been sidelined due to intercostal nerve irritation and will not be ready to begin the season, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Additional Insights on Mets Prospects and Historical Moments
Mets fans are following the progress of promising young players despite recent losses. Non-roster invitee Carl Edwards Jr. has drawn attention during spring training for his potential contributions. Reflecting on Mets history, notable dates include the 2007 release of MLB The Show 07 featuring David Wright on the cover and the inaugural full squad workout on April 1962 at Miller Huggins Field. Kevin Plawecki, another Mets player, celebrates his birthday today.
Significance of Minter’s Recovery and What Lies Ahead
A.J. Minter’s return to live pitching sessions marks a critical milestone in strengthening the Mets bullpen depth, especially given his time lost to injury. His eventual reintroduction during Grapefruit League games will be closely watched, as it will indicate his readiness to contribute in regular-season matchups. The Mets organization and fans alike are cautiously optimistic but remain aware of the challenges faced during injury rehab. How Minter performs upon his return could impact the team’s pitching strategy moving forward into the season.
A.J. Minter (recovery from left lat surgery) expects to throw his first live BP next week.
Minter's hope is to pitch in at least one Grapefruit League game before the end of spring training, but that's not a guarantee. He's about a month behind the Mets' other relievers.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 25, 2026
Jonah Tong tells @mmargaux8 about working on his cutter in spring training
"Another off-speed offering. Sometimes it's going to get hit. But that's the whole part of learning it. I'm happy it's happening in spring because at least I can take notes from it and push it forward" pic.twitter.com/Tx3zlrqw4f
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 25, 2026
Breaking: Max Scherzer goes back to Blue Jays
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 26, 2026
Early ABS spring update: 302 challenges through 5 days of games. Avg of 4.65 per game. 53 percent overturn rate so far. P/C combo has a 54 percent overturn rate. Hitters are at 51 percent.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 25, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly, who was scheduled to be their opening day starter against the Dodgers, is now sidelined with Intercostal nerve irritation and no longer will be ready for season opener.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 25, 2026
