Mets left-handed pitcher A.J. Minter appears likely to begin the 2025 season on the injured list, as he remains behind his peers in spring training. Minter shared with Anthony DiComo of MLB.com that he is about a month behind other pitchers in camp and is aiming to appear in a Grapefruit League game before spring training concludes, though that remains uncertain. Official injury tracking on MLB.com projects his comeback around early May.
Details on Minter’s Surgery and Recovery Timeline
At 32 years old, Minter underwent surgery in early May to repair a torn lat muscle, which ended his 2024 season. While it was clear the procedure would keep him out last year, the timeline for his return in 2025 was initially unclear. In December, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated that Minter’s status for Opening Day was doubtful. Current developments now suggest he will miss the season opener, and even if he does return near that time, a several-week rehab stint in the minors will likely be necessary before rejoining the major league roster.
Minter’s Past Performance and Injury Challenges
Before his recent setbacks, Minter had a strong run between 2020 and 2023. Over 208 2/3 innings during that period with the Atlanta Braves, he posted a 2.89 ERA, striking out 30.7% of batters faced while maintaining a low 7.8% walk rate. In 2024, he matched similar statistics but faced multiple stints on the injured list due to a left hip problem, culminating in surgery that ended his season. After becoming a free agent, the Mets signed him to a two-year, $22 million contract with an opt-out clause after the first year.
Minter was healthy enough to start last season with the Mets but pitched only 11 innings before a lat strain sidelined him again. Following most of the 2025 campaign missed to injury, he opted to remain with the team for the contract’s second year rather than exercising his opt-out.
Implications for Mets’ Left-Handed Bullpen Depth
With Minter’s delayed return, the Mets will have to begin the season without his presence in their southpaw relief corps. Brooks Raley is currently projected as the primary left-handed reliever, supported by Bryan Hudson, who was acquired from the White Sox recently. These two are the only healthy lefty relievers on the Mets’ major league roster, while Sean Manaea and David Peterson, both lefties, are expected to fill roles in the starting rotation.
To bolster bullpen depth, the Mets have several experienced non-roster left-handers in camp, including Brandon Waddell, Joe Jacques, Anderson Severino, and Nate Lavender. Additionally, free agency still offers options such as Justin Wilson, Danny Coulombe, and Joey Lucchesi. The team’s past activity suggests they may pursue waiver claims or minor league contract opt-outs from other clubs to add pitching reinforcements as the season approaches.
Future Outlook for Minter and Mets’ Pitching Staff
Minter’s primary goal remains to return to the effective form he demonstrated from 2020 through 2023 and contribute significantly to the Mets’ bullpen. However, ongoing rehabilitation means the team will need to rely on alternative left-handed options in the early weeks of the season. The front office’s flexibility and depth additions could prove crucial as the pitching staff adapts to Minter’s absence.
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
