Mets Reliever A.J. Minter Ready to Bounce Back After Injury

Minter is rehabbing from a torn lat muscle and aims to return to the mound in May after missing most of last season.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:18am

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A.J. Minter, the Mets' $22 million reliever, is working his way back from a torn lat muscle that sidelined him for most of the 2025 season. Minter, who has undergone multiple surgeries in his career, is hopeful of returning to the Mets' bullpen in May after missing the first month of the season. The Mets struggled to replace Minter's production last year, falling one win short of the playoffs, and the veteran lefty is determined to help the team reach the postseason in 2026.

Why it matters

Minter's return is crucial for the Mets' bullpen, which lacked a consistent left-handed option last season after his injury. The team is counting on Minter to bolster the relief corps and provide a needed boost as they aim to make the playoffs in 2026 after falling short a year ago.

The details

Minter tore his lat muscle last April and required surgery, ending his 2025 season after just 13 appearances with the Mets. The 32-year-old lefty is now in his second straight spring training rehabbing an injury, having also recovered from hip surgery in 2024 while with the Braves. Minter is currently throwing in the low 90s mph, a bit below his usual velocity, but expects to be up to speed by the time he returns to the mound, which the Mets hope will be in May.

  • Minter suffered the torn lat muscle on April 26, 2025.
  • Minter is aiming to return to the Mets' bullpen in May 2026.

The players

A.J. Minter

A 32-year-old left-handed relief pitcher who signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Mets prior to the 2025 season.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

Brooks Raley

A left-handed relief pitcher who returned to the Mets' bullpen midway through the 2025 season after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Gregory Soto

A relief pitcher acquired by the Mets at the 2025 trade deadline, but he did not perform well.

Bryan Hudson

A left-handed relief pitcher acquired by the Mets just before the start of 2026 spring training.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like I let the team down. I knew they were counting on me, and it was definitely hard to watch them.”

— A.J. Minter, Mets Reliever (New York Post)

“We felt it while Minter was down.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager (New York Post)

What’s next

The Mets will decide if Minter is ready to pitch in a Grapefruit League game before the team breaks camp. If not, he is expected to join the team's bullpen in May.

The takeaway

Minter's return from injury is crucial for the Mets' bullpen, which struggled to replace his production last season. The veteran lefty is determined to bounce back and help the team reach the playoffs in 2026 after falling just short a year ago.