As the Mets prepare for a highly anticipated three-game series against the Colorado Rockies—seeking redemption after being swept at Citi Field in late April—manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the media on Monday with encouraging injury updates and a heartfelt tribute to a broadcasting legend.

Reinforcements are on the horizon for New York, with reliever A.J. Minter and infielder Jorge Polanco making significant strides in their recovery. Minter, who has been sidelined since last April due to a lat strain requiring surgery, took a major step forward by pitching a scoreless inning for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday. According to Mendoza, the plan now calls for the left-hander to pitch in back-to-back games for the first time during his rehab, starting Wednesday. "Right now he's gonna pitch again on Wednesday," Mendoza shared. "Hopefully he goes back-to-back—maybe shorter, maybe a hitter or two the following day—but we're trying to get him into the routine: bullpen, warmup, and then game action."

If Minter clears this crucial hurdle, he could be activated as early as this weekend, though Mendoza remained cautious about committing to a specific date. "If he goes back-to-back, he'll probably need a couple of days, so we'll see," the skipper added.

Meanwhile, Polanco—who has been out since April 15 with a right wrist contusion and ongoing bursitis in his left Achilles—returned to baseball activities on Monday and is gradually ramping up his workload. The veteran infielder's progress offers a welcome boost to a Mets lineup looking to find its rhythm after a rough patch.

Beyond the injury report, Mendoza took a moment to remember the late John Sterling, the iconic Yankees broadcaster whose voice defined generations of baseball. It was a poignant reminder of the deep connections within the sport, even as the Mets focus on turning their season around in Colorado.