Morning Briefing: A.J. Minter Facing Possible Season-Ending Surgery

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets have been dealt some tough news, as lefty A.J. Minter is facing a “pretty significant” lat injury, per Carlos Mendoza. If he opts for surgery, his season is likely over.

Losing Minter would leave Danny Young as the only left-handed reliever on the active roster. Other left-handed internal options include Genesis Cabrera and Anthony Gose, who are both in Syracuse. Brandon Waddell is also being recalled for today, though whether he’ll stay remains to be seen.

Additionally, New York now has Brooks Raley, who is already throwing bullpens. That means that in a best-case scenario, he could be back as soon as before the All-Star break.

This year, Minter has pitched 11 innings, allowing two runs and striking out 14. Despite the strong start to the season, a potential season-ending surgery would almost certainly lead him to exercise his $11 million player option for 2026.

Read more of Metsmerized’s reporting on Minter’s status here.

Latest Mets News

The Mets beat the D-backs 8-3 on Tuesday, powered by home runs from Francisco Lindor, Starling Marte and Pete Alonso. Alonso’s seventh of the season puts him just 20 shy of passing Darryl Strawberry as the franchise’s all-time home run leader. On the mound, David Peterson delivered another solid outing of five-plus innings, while José Buttó bounced back with a strong appearance out of the ‘pen.

Today, New York will throw either Brandon Waddell or an opener to start the day, as Carlos Mendoza did not confirm which. In any case, Waddell is expected to get the bulk of the innings. Facing off against whoever starts for New York, the Diamondbacks are sending Corbin Burnes (0-1, 4.05 ERA) to the bump.

Rehabbing 2B/SS Ronny Mauricio went 0-for-3 at the plate on Tuesday, but made a big leap in his recovery anyway just by playing the field for the first time since ACL surgery ended his 2023 season. Mauricio logged five innings at short for Single-A St. Lucie.

Brandon Nimmo is fine, but he’s battling the flu and receiving IV treatment, which kept him out of the lineup on Tuesday.

SNY is reportedly exploring an outright sale of their network, and Mets owner Steve Cohen could be a potential buyer. The move would mark a long-anticipated shift and is a long time coming, as currently SNY remains under the control of the Wilpon family.

Steve Cohen has cleared another hurdle in his push for a casino and park near Citi Field. A New York State committee has approved a bill that would let Cohen develop the 50-acre parking lot adjacent to the stadium. More details from MMO’s Allison Waxman here.

The Willie Mays jersey patches the Mets wore in 2024 will be going into 1/1 trading cards.

Per MLB, the Mets have their best 30-game start (21-9) since 2006.

World War II vet and huge Mets fan Seymour Weiner has passed away at the age of 97. Rest in piece, Seymour.

Latest MLB News

The Braves called up right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver as their spot starter for Tuesday. In a corresponding move, Atlanta designated postseason hero Ian Anderson for assignment.

According to the MLB.com transaction log, the Braves also released speedy outfielder Jake Marisnick after he hit .078/.178/.195 with their Triple-A squad.

The San Diego Padres are designating veteran first baseman Yuli Gurriel for assignment, says manager Mike Shildt (via AJ Cassavell of MLB.com). Additionally, Mason McCoy was placed on the IL. As corresponding moves, Luis Arraez and Jason Heyward were activated from the injured list.

Latest on MMO

Gianna Arantes recaps Tuesday’s game.

Tyler Antonelle writes his weekly report on Mets minor league action.

Brandyn Pokrass previewed this Mets-Diamondbacks series.

On This Date in Mets History

2002: Al Leiter tosses seven innings of one-run ball to become the first pitcher in baseball history to beat all 30 MLB teams.

Born on This Date: Bob Hendley (1939), Ryan O’Rourke (1988), José Peraza (1994).

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