A.J. Minter made his first rehab appearance of the year, tossing a clean inning with one strikeout for Low-A St. Lucie. Minter’s fastball averaged 93 miles per hour and topped out at 93.5. The southpaw averaged 94.5 mph on his fastball in each of the last two seasons. His rehab assignment can last as long as 30 days.
“We started the clock,” Carlos Mendoza said. “It will be one of those where, if we have to use him every single day, we will. But the fact that he’s in real competition is a good sign.”
Minter was effective in 13 games for the Mets in 2025, posting a 1.64 ERA with 14 strikeouts against five walks over 11 innings. However, he was placed on the injured list in late April and had to undergo surgery to repair a torn lat. He is expected to return in early May.
Another southpaw, Nate Lavender, also made his first rehab appearance, striking out two in a scoreless inning. Lavender underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024 and spent the 2025 season with the Rays’ organization after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft. He was returned to the Mets in November. Not regarded as a hard thrower, Lavender touched 95 mph with his fastball on Thursday.
Craig Kimbrel made his first appearance of the year, striking out one in a scoreless inning. Kimbrel opted to remain with the Mets’ organization despite not making the major league roster out of spring training. The nine-time All-Star topped out at 94.2 mph with his fastball in his outing.
Tommy Pham made his first appearance since signing a minor league deal with the Mets, singling against rehabbing Blue Jays righty Trey Yesavage, kicking off a four-run inning for St. Lucie. Pham also played four innings in left field.
