Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

Mets manager Mickey Callaway told the media on Thursday before their series against the Cardinals that infielder Jed Lowrie is still not close to playing rehab games.

The veteran was originally placed on the injured list for a strained capsule in his left knee after missing all of spring training. Lowrie close to returning to the Mets as his rehab assignment reached Triple-A Syracuse when was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.

The switch-hitter signed a two-year, $20 million deal this offseason to provide the Mets infield depth at multiple positions. He has yet to take an at-bat for the Mets.

Lowrie was signed to mostly play third base, a spot that has been covered by the combination of J.D. Davis, Todd Frazier, and Jeff McNeil.