New York Mets reliever AJ Minter took a sizable step forward in his return from offseason hip surgery on Sunday, throwing a live batting practice session.
It was the veteran left-hander’s first time facing hitters since reporting to spring training last month, where he threw 20-25 pitches to a group of hitters headlined by Pete Alonso and Starling Marte.
“Physically, I felt good,” Minter said (h/t Newsday). “I guess that’s all you can ask for, but the competitor in me wishes I would’ve gone out there and struck everyone out.”
As they are doing with ace starter Kodai Senga, the Mets are taking it slow with the 31-year-old Minter, who was signed to a two-year, $22 million contract this winter following eight seasons and a World Series title with the Atlanta Braves. Missing Opening Day and even the first few weeks of the season is still a legitimate possibility.
When he does make his Mets debut, Minter is projected to be the club’s set-up man in front of Edwin Diaz. Over the last five seasons with Atlanta, the southpaw has been a proven late-inning option, posting a 2.85 ERA, a 1.086 WHIP and 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He also owns a 2.88 career postseason ERA in 20 appearances.
