The New York Mets' bullpen, already searching for a high-leverage boost, will have to navigate without left-hander A.J. Minter for now. The veteran reliever was expected to be activated this weekend in Phoenix against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but a setback in his surgically repaired hip has forced the Mets to shut down his rehab assignment.
"We pulled him off the rehab today," manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday at Coors Field. "He has left hip discomfort. We're not too concerned. We'll probably give him a few days and then he'll continue to throw."
Minter, 32, signed a free-agent contract with the Mets ahead of the 2025 season after undergoing hip labrum and microfracture surgery in August 2024. He started the season on time but suffered a lat avulsion in May of last year, requiring another surgery that ended his campaign early.
Coming into spring training, Minter felt healthy, and the Mets placed him on a slow progression to keep him that way. During his minor league assignment, he appeared sharp, posting a 1-0 record with a 1.17 ERA over eight appearances (7 2/3 innings). However, his velocity never fully returned, and the Mets are unsure if the hip issue is to blame.
"I don't know because there were days where we saw the velo at 92-93, and a couple at 94, but there were some at like 91," Mendoza said. "I'll have to talk to him personally."
With two left-handed starters currently working in long relief—David Peterson and Sean Manaea—and right-handed long man Tobias Myers also in the mix, the bullpen lacks efficiency. Right-hander Huascar Brazobán has once again been leaned on heavily early this season, a pattern that led to poor results from him in the middle of last year. Brazobán has already made 15 appearances, including opening for Peterson on Monday in a win over the Colorado Rockies. Right-hander Luke Weaver has also made 14 appearances, underscoring the strain on the relief corps.
For now, the Mets must find a way to stabilize the bullpen without Minter, as they wait for clarity on his recovery timeline.