Mets Reliever Minter Impresses Lindor in Live BP

Minter ramps up from lat injury, aims to return in late April or early May

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:06am

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New York Mets reliever A.J. Minter impressed shortstop Francisco Lindor during a live batting practice session as he continues to recover from a lat injury that sidelined him for most of last season. Minter, who signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Mets before last season, is taking a deliberately slow progression to return, with the expectation he'll be back in the bullpen by late April or early May.

Why it matters

Minter was expected to be one of the Mets' top relievers last season before the lat injury, and his return will be a boost to the team's bullpen as they aim to compete in the NL East. The Mets were impacted by Minter's absence last year, and they're counting on him to fill a high-leverage role once he's healthy.

The details

During the live BP session, Minter threw all three of his pitches, topping out around 93 mph. Lindor remarked "That was sick" after fouling off one of Minter's cutters. Minter has been pleased with his command and the life on his pitches as he ramps up. The Mets are taking a deliberately slow approach with Minter's recovery, aiming to have him back in late April or early May rather than rushing him back.

  • Minter's live BP session took place late Friday afternoon.
  • Minter hasn't pitched since tearing his left lat muscle early last season.
  • Minter is expected to return to the Mets' bullpen in late April or early May.

The players

A.J. Minter

A reliever for the New York Mets who signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the team before last season. He is working his way back from a lat injury that sidelined him for most of 2025.

Francisco Lindor

The starting shortstop for the New York Mets, who took at-bats against Minter during the live BP session.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who discussed the team's plans to slowly ramp up Minter's return to the bullpen.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, it feels way better than I expected it was going to feel.”

— A.J. Minter, Mets Reliever

“That was sick.”

— Francisco Lindor

“We felt it last year when he went down. He's a guy that's going to pitch in high leverage. He's been pretty successful. He's elite. The biggest thing when you've got a lefty there that can get righties out, he's a weapon there -- a guy that we're going to be counting on for those high-leverage [spots].”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

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The takeaway

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