Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke ahead of Wednesday’s spring training game.
Here are the most important notes…
First game action for A.J. Minter
Minter, who had hip surgery last August, made his Grapefruit League debut on Wednesday.
The left-hander pitched one perfect inning against the Cardinals, striking out one while tossing 10 pitches.
Minter had been throwing live bullpen sessions in preparation.
With Opening Day 15 days away, Mendoza is optimistic Minter will have enough time to be ready. And the manager is excited about what he can bring to the back end of the bullpen.
Minter signed a two-year deal this offseason that includes a player opt-out after the 2025 season.
If ready for Opening Day, which appears likely, Minter will join a relief corps that should include Edwin Diaz, Reed Garrett, Jose Butto, Ryne Stanek, and Max Kranick.
Dedniel Núñez is getting close
Núñez, who dealt with multiple injuries in 2024 and whose season ended in September due to a strained flexor tendon in his right arm, is making steady progress.
The right-hander threw a live bullpen session a few days ago and is scheduled to throw another one on Wednesday.
If Núñez gets through Wednesday’s session without issue, the next step will be his first game action of the spring.
It’s unclear if Núñez will be able to build up enough to be ready for Opening Day. But in the event he isn’t ready, he shouldn’t be that far behind.
Núñez was one of New York’s best relievers last season, emerging as a legitimate late-inning weapon in what was his rookie season.
In 35.0 innings over 25 appearances, he had a 2.31 ERA (2.22 FIP) and 0.91 WHIP while striking out 48 batters — a rate of 12.3 per nine.
Read the full article here
