Mets 2022 Injury Tracker: Joely Rodriguez reportedly removed from Wild Card roster with shoulder issue

The latest news and possible return dates

10/8/2022, 10:30 PM
0 seconds of 1 minute, 39 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
01:39
01:39
 

Here is the latest news and possible return dates for Mets players...


Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m.

The Mets made a change to the Wild Card Series roster just hours before Game 2, removing pitcher Joely Rodriguez due to a shoulder issue, according to multiple reports Saturday.

Rodriguez will miss the NLDS if the Mets advance.

The extent or specifics of Rodriguez’s shoulder injury were not made clear.

Taijuan Walker replaced him on the Wild Card roster.

Oct. 7, 4:54 p.m.

Prior to Game 1 of the Mets' Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres, manager Buck Showalter clarified that Jacob deGrom's blister is "not an issue."

"It’s not an issue," Showalter said. "We don’t foresee it to be an issue."

Showalter went on to say that the Game 2 starter will depend on Friday's result. He said that both deGrom and Chris Bassitt are "prepared" to start Game 2 and "know exactly what's going on."

Additionally, Darin Ruf, who went on the IL due to a neck strain on Sept. 30 (retroactive to Sept. 27), took BP on Thursday with Starling Marte from LHP Phillip Diehl, according to Showalter.

Oct. 6, 3:17 p.m.

Starling Marte is still being evaluated for a spot on the Mets' Wild Card Series roster, reports SNY's Andy Martino.

The roster is not due until Friday at 12 p.m., roughly eight hours before Game 1 at Citi Field.

Buck Showalter gave another update on Starling Marte's progress prior to the team's final regular season game against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, and said the OF had not been ruled out for the Wild Card Series.

"I'm never going to say never," Showalter said. "We're waiting, he's going to do some stuff today. Every day we take a different try at it, as far as padding and different things, trying to find that, and still waiting for the bone to heal. 

"He's one of our toughest guys, so when you know that he can't, he will fight through about anything. But when you can't swing the bat, you can't hold a ball, it's kind of hard. He's out there as we speak trying to do some stuff."

Marte was on the field doing drills in the outfield prior to the team's regular-season finale.

Showalter added on Marte's availability for the Wild Card Series after being out for so long: "Sure there's concern about it, but if he's physically able to do it, he'll become an option."

Oct. 4, 2:30 p.m.

Buck Showalter provided another update on Starling Marte's progress prior to the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Washington Nationals, saying the outfielder is improving "little by little" but not enough where he can play in a game.

The Mets manager said that Marte is "frustrated" by the lack of progress but reiterated that bone injuries can be tricky. 

With the regular season already in jeopardy, Showalter was asked if he would rule Marte out for a possible Wild Card series. He said, "I wouldn’t go there yet. I’m trying to be optimistic about it." 

If the Braves clinch the NL East in the next couple of days, the Mets will play the first game of the Wild Card round this Friday.

Oct. 3, 4:45 p.m.

Buck Showalter gave an update on Starling Marte prior to Monday's game against the Washington Nationals, and said the outfielder is progressing from his finger injury but is still not ready for baseball activities.

"There was a little progress, but not enough to think something is imminent," Showalter said.

"I know that we're looking more about, right now ways to manage it and the discomfort," Showalter added. "Trying to see if there's some way. The earliest we would play obviously would be Friday, so we'll see what the next three days bring."

Oct. 3, 12:29 p.m.

Brett Baty, who has been out since Aug. 29 due to a thumb injury that required surgery, is hitting "flips" (soft tosses from coaches from close up) and is expected to start hitting off a machine soon, reports Tim Healey of Newsday.

Depending on how fast Baty progresses, he could be an option to help the Mets at some point in the postseason.

If the Mets are in the Wild Card round, which begins on Friday, it's hard to see Baty being ready for that. But if they advance, he could potentially become a factor.

Oct. 1, 6:10 p.m.

Finally, some positive news coming out of the Starling Marte injury saga as Buck Showalter told reporters on Saturday that Marte’s finger soreness has “abated” but that he’s still not at the point where he can grip a baseball or bat.

Still, overall Showalter thought it was a "positive narrative."

Sept. 30, 3:22 p.m.

Before Friday's game, the Mets placed INF/OF Darin Ruf on the IL due to a neck strain, with the move retroactive to Sept. 27.

Placing Ruf on the IL opened a 26-man roster spot for C Francisco Alvarez, who was activated ahead of his big league debut.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Alvarez, LHP Alex Claudio was designated for assignment.

Sept. 28, 4:21 p.m.

Starling Marte, who has been out for three weeks due to a broken finger, still has his finger immobilized in a splint, recently had an injection, and still has some discomfort, manager Buck Showalter told reporters on Wednesday.

"It's not imminent that he's a player," Showalter said.

Showalter added that "there's nothing definitive" regarding when Marte might return.

Marte had been aiming to be back for the start of the Mets' series against the Braves in Atlanta on Friday.

In order to play, Marte needs to get to the point where he can grip a ball and bat -- a point Showalter said Marte has not yet reached.

Sept. 28, 3:29 p.m.

Right-handed reliever Mychal Givens had a rehab outing on Wednesday with Triple-A Syracuse, and is now en route to join the Mets, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

Givens has been out since Sept. 17, when he was placed on the IL without an injury designation -- something that typically means the player has COVID-19.

After a rocky start to his Mets career following the trade that brought him to New York at the deadline from the Chicago Cubs, he has been very good lately.

Givens is unscored upon in his last seven appearances dating back to Aug. 28.

Sept. 25, 4:52 p.m.

Starling Marte underwent a CT scan on his right middle finger which showed improved healing. He will continue baseball activities as tolerated, the team announced on Sunday.

Marte hasn't played since Sept. 6 after getting hit by a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Sept. 22, 6:25 p.m.

The Mets announced on Thursday evening that Brandon Nimmo's MRI on his left quad tightness "came back clean." 

He is day-to-day with the injury.

The Mets begin a three-game series on Friday at the Oakland A's.

Sept. 21, 5:40 p.m.

After Wednesday's loss to the Brewers, Buck Showalter provided an update on Brandon Nimmo, who left the game in the first with left quad tightness.

"I think he was smart about it," Showalter said. "He felt it sliding into second little bit and got out to center field, and thought it would be OK. Then he took off after a couple of those ball in front of him, smart move trying to get ahead of it. He's got left quad tightness and we'll get some imaging tomorrow just to see what we're dealing with. Always concerned. I'm hoping that his caution there was something that will reap some benefits."

Nimmo then spoke to reporters and said that he felt the injury on a slide, not his stolen base. 

"On the slide when I felt like that I was to the side of the bag, I was trying to bring my left leg up, kind of like Starling [Marte] did in San Diego. When I got up from there it just felt tight, now it just kind of feels like a Charley horse. When I was in center field and I came in for that ball, I was kind of dragging that leg a little bit and I felt like this one day is not worth what could be weeks if I was to end of doing something worse.

"At that point I called them over and came out of the game because we felt like this could just be a few games kind of thing rather than weeks. That was the biggest concern for me. I know if I can catch things earlier, that I heal really fast, and so that was the decision that was made."

Nimmo said he's confident that it'll only be a day-to-day injury after he gets the remainder of the day and Thursday to recover.

"I do feel confident," Nimmo said. "I feel confident that given I'll get the rest of today and tomorrow and even most of Friday to recover, that from then on it should be a day-to-day thing. It already is feeling a little better then when I first did it, so that's encouraging and we'll go from there. I am pretty confident in there."

Sept. 21, 3:14 p.m.

Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo left Wednesday's game against the Brewers in Milwaukee with two outs in the bottom of the first inning due to left quad tightness.

Nimmo didn't break in from center very hard on a fly out by Rowdy Tellez that was eventually caught by left fielder Jeff McNeil, and was than visited in short left field by manager Buck Showalter and the training staff.

Following a brief discussion, where Nimmo was flexing his left leg, he exited the game.

After being taken out, Nimmo walked through the dugout to the entrance to the clubhouse without much of a limp. 

Sept. 21, 12:27 p.m.

Starling Marte, who is on the IL due to a partial non-displaced fracture of his his right middle finger, told reporters Wednesday he is optimistic he'll be able to return in time for the Mets' three-game series against the Braves in Atlanta that starts Friday, Sept. 30.

The Mets have six games between now and then.

Marte, who resumed hitting and throwing Monday, plans to hit and throw again as soon as Wednesday. 

Mets manager Buck Showalter said on Tuesday that Marte is still having "a little discomfort" when he swings and throws, and that his potential return date is a moving target.

Marte had started to hit and throw last week, but abandoned it for a few days after the pain level in his finger was too high.

According to Showalter, that pain is getting better.

"He's improving a little bit every day," Showalter said. "Getting a little better.... we're into the four out of 10, six out of 10, two out of 10 pain thing. So that's a good thing. That's starting to move down a little bit."

Sept. 20, 6:15 p.m.

Mets announced that RHP Drew Smith has been reinstated from the 15-day IL prior to Tuesday's game against the Brewers. 

RHP Tommy Hunter was placed on the 15-day IL, retroactive to Sept. 17, with low back tightness to make room for Smith.

Bryce Montes de Oca will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse.

Sept. 18, 12:00 p.m.

Buck Showalter provided some injury updates prior to Sunday's series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, saying that the team will need to make room for Max Scherzer to return Monday.

Showalter added that Drew Smith will be activated "probably Tuesday," and Tylor Megill will be "activated shortly, whatever shortly is."

Sept. 17, 4:18 p.m.

Prior to Saturday's matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Mets announced that reliever Mychal Givens has been placed on the IL.

The team did not announce an injury designation, which has typically signaled a COVID-related situation.

To fill Givens' spot in the bullpen, the Mets recalled righty Stephen Nogosek.

Meanwhile, Tylor Megill has concluded his rehab assignment, but the Mets don't plan to activate him until Monday, which is the next day he'll be available to pitch after throwing on Friday night.

Buck Showalter said the team is currently unsure if Megill will be used in multiple-inning spots.

Sept. 16, 8:25 p.m.

A trio of potential Mets bullpen options appeared for Triple-A Syracuse on Friday night.

Joey Lucchesi, working his way back from Tommy John surgery, got things started against the Buffalo Bisons by pitching 2.2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two on 31 pitches.

Tylor Megill followed Lucchesi, but he didn’t have the same success. Megill allowed one earned run on two hits, but he also walked a batter, hit another, and uncorked a wild pitch.

Drew Smith then pitched a 1-2-3 fifth inning, needing just eight pitches to retire the side while striking out one. The righty will likely pitch again on Saturday before the Mets determine whether he needs another rehab appearance.

Sept. 14, 7:27 p.m.

Max Scherzer completed his rehab outing with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday night, throwing 3.2 innings against the Buffalo Bisons.

Scherzer looked like himself, allowing three hits with seven strikeouts and one walk. His only real blemish was an LJ Talley solo home run to right to lead off the top of the second. 

The right-hander allowed a couple of singles in the third inning, but got out of the inning unscathed.

He threw 59 pitches, 41 of which were strikes.

After his outing, Scherzer said that he felt "excellent," saying that he feels ready to make his next start with the Mets on Monday.

Sept. 14, 4:40 p.m.

Buck Showalter said the plan for Max Scherzer's start with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday is to go four innings. If all goes well and he feels good, he can potentially rejoin the team Monday when his IL stint is up. 

Showalter also provided the following updates on multiple players:

Drew Smith will pitch back-to-back Friday and Saturday and then a decision on his return will have to be made. 

Tylor Megill will pitch for Syracuse on Friday. The team hopes Megill can go multiple innings.

Joey Lucchesi is scheduled to pitch three innings for Syracuse on Friday. Lucchesi continues to rehab after having Tommy John surgery in June 2021.

Brett Baty (thumb) is "doing well" and will have a follow-up with the doctors on Sept. 22.

Sept. 13, 10:56 p.m.

Max Scherzer will make his first rehab start since landing on the IL on Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse. 

Scherzer last pitched for the Mets on Sept. 3 against the Washington Nationals and was pulled after five innings with "left side fatigue.”

Sept. 13, 8:40 p.m.

The plan was for Tylor Megill to pitch multiple innings on Tuesday night for Triple-A Syracuse, but the Buffalo Bisons had other plans.

After a rain delay, Megill did not make it out of the first inning on Tuesday, allowing five earned runs on three hits over two-thirds of an inning, walking two without a strikeout. He threw 29 pitches, 15 of which were strikes.

Buck Showalter said earlier on Tuesday that the team would wait until after Megill’s Tuesday outing to decide whether or not he’d be ready to join the big club. The fact that Megill was unable to go two innings, which was the team’s original hope, could end up altering the club’s plans.

Sept. 13, 4:33 p.m.

Max Scherzer will either throw a sim game or start for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, manager Buck Showalter said prior to Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs.

Scherzer threw his first bullpen session on Sept. 11 as he works his way back from left side fatigue. 

Additionally, Showalter said that the team will discuss if Tylor Megill is ready to rejoin the Mets after his scheduled outing with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday night. 

Sept. 13, 9:01 a.m.

Starling Marte, who is on the IL due to a partial non-displaced fracture of his his right middle finger, said on Monday that the swelling has gone down and that he's feeling a lot better, via Pat Ragazzo of SI.

Marte added that he planned to run and take fly balls on Monday, and could take some swings with only his left hand soon.

Marte, who was hit by a pitch last Tuesday against the Pirates in Pittsburgh, is eligible to return from the IL on Saturday.

It is not clear if Marte will be activated when first eligible.

Sept. 12, 11:56 a.m.

Top Mets prospect Francisco Alvarez returned to the lineup for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, going 0-for-4 with a strikeout.

Alvarez had been out since Aug. 24 due to a right ankle injury that was recently examined in New York. After being examined, Alvarez was diagnosed with a loose body in the ankle.

Alvarez, 20, is hitting just .174/.331/.365 in 33 games since being promoted to Syracuse from Double-A Binghamton.

There is no indication Alvarez will be a consideration for a promotion to the Mets before the season ends. But as a member of the 40-man roster, he is eligible for the postseason roster.

Sept. 11, 12:35 p.m.

Prior to the Mets' game against the Miami Marlins, manager Buck Showalter provided some injury updates on Trevor May and Luis Guillorme.

On May: "Looking good for tomorrow, looking good for tomorrow," Showalter said.

On Guillorme: "I think we'll have Luis either Monday or Tuesday, if things go well today," Showalter said. "That's the plan."

Showalter added that the plan is for Guillorme to play 3B for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.

Additionally, Starling Marte spoke to reporters about his finger injury, saying through a translator that "it's not a big fracture, so we're hoping that it just recovers as fast as possible."

"Yeah the inflammation is down significantly," Marte added through the translator.

Finally, Max Scherzer threw his first bullpen session since landing on the IL which went well, according to pitching coach Jeremy Hefner.

Sept. 9, 4:30 p.m.

Mets manager Buck Showalter announced that outfielder Starling Marte is being placed on the 10-day IL due to his partial non-displaced fracture of his his right middle finger.

The IL designation will be retroactive to this past Wednesday, making Marte eligible to rejoin the team next Saturday, Sept. 17.

To fill Marte's roster spot, the Mets are calling up Mark Vientos, one of the club's top prospects.

Sept. 9, 9:50 p.m.

Another night, another perfect inning for Tylor Megill.

The righty threw another 1-2-3 inning for Triple-A Syracuse on Friday night against Rochester, adding one more strikeout as well.

Megill has now pitched four perfect innings during his rehab stint, with his next appearance on Tuesday scheduled to go two innings to try to stretch him out as a multiple-inning reliever.

Also of note, Luis Guillorme had a pair of hits and a walk on the night.

Sept. 9, 3:39 p.m.

Starling Marte said before Friday's game against the Marlins in Miami that his finger felt better and that he's hopeful he'll be able to avoid the IL.

Speaking soon after Marte, manager Buck Showalter said the team is not yet ready to put a timeline on Marte's return to the lineup and did not rule out a potential IL stint. 

Marte, who was hit by a pitch on Tuesday, was diagnosed with a partial non-displaced fracture of his right middle finger.

Showalter added that both Trevor May and Luis Guillorme could be back near the beginning of the Mets' homestand that starts this coming Monday 

Sept. 8, 8:25 p.m.

Luis Guillorme played six innings at shortstop in his second rehab game with Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday night.

He finished the game 1-for-3 against the Rochester Red Wings, as he struck out, grounded out to third base, and singled up the middle.

Guillorme went on the IL on Aug. 15 with a moderate left groin strain and was expected to miss 3-4 weeks.

Sept. 8, 2:42 p.m.

Reliever Drew Smith will begin a rehab assignment this Saturday with Triple-A Syracuse, manager Buck Showalter told reporters on Tuesday.

Smith was one of the Mets' best relievers over the first three months of the season, carrying a 2.48 ERA into July.

He struggled badly in July, though, pitching to a 7.56 ERA and being placed on the IL after his appearance on July 24 due to a lat injury.

Smith's return to the Mets could come shortly after Tylor Megill, who is expected to be in a bullpen role for the remainder of the season.

Sept. 7, 8:40 p.m.

Tylor Megill made another rehab appearance on Wednesday night, this time for Triple-A Syracuse.

Taking the mound for the sixth inning against the Rochester Red Wings, Megill pitched a 1-2-3 frame, including a strikeout looking.

Megill has now pitched three perfect innings during his rehab assignments, striking out seven of the nine batters he's faced.

Sept. 7, 8:12 p.m.

After Starling Marte was sent for additional imaging on his right middle finger, the Mets announced on Wednesday night that the outfielder suffered a partial non-displaced fracture of that right middle finger, with the team considering him day to day.

At this time, it sounds as if Marte has avoided an IL stint.

Sept. 7, 3:26 p.m.

Starling Marte has been sent for additional imaging on his finger to get a clearer picture after Tuesday night's initial imaging, manager Buck Showalter said after Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

Per Showalter, nothing has changed since earlier Wednesday regarding Marte, who was sore after getting hit by a pitch on Tuesday night.

"We're waiting with bated breath that things come back clean," Showalter said. "I'm not handicapping it at all until our expert reads a good, clear image."

Showalter said Wednesday morning that it had been "so far so good" on Marte, who exited Tuesday's game after the HBP.

Sept. 7, 9:56 a.m.

Max Scherzer, whose Friday start was up in the air after leaving his start on Saturday due to left side fatigue, has landed on the IL, with the stint backdated to Sept. 4.

Buck Showalter said before Wednesday's game that Scherzer was placed on the IL "to be on the safe side," and that the expectation is that Scherzer will miss one or two starts and return when first eligible.

"We want it to completely heal," Showalter said, adding that the Mets received "pretty good news" after Scherzer underwent imaging.

Speaking after Showalter, Scherzer said he fully expects to be back when first eligible, and that the injury would cost him "days, not weeks."

Sept. 6, 8:55 p.m.

Luis Guillorme made his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday night.

Serving as the designated hitter because of some rainy weather in the area, Guillorme went 1-for-4 with a single against the Rochester Red Wings.

The utility man singled in his first at-bat and then flew out, grounded out, and grounded into a double play.

Sept. 6, 7:49 p.m.

The Mets are no stranger to the hit-by-pitch, and Starling Marte was forced to leave Tuesday’s game after becoming the latest Met to get hit.

In the top of the first inning, Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller hit Marte with a 95 mph fastball in his right hand. Marte quickly tried shaking it off, and after speaking with Buck Showalter and a trainer, he stayed in the game to run the bases, but was replaced by Tyler Naquin in right field in the bottom of the second inning.

The Mets later announced that Marte will undergo imaging, and the team will provide another update after that happens.

Sept. 6, 3:28 p.m.

The Mets hope to make a decision on Wednesday when it comes to when Max Scherzer's next start will be, manager Buck Showalter said on Tuesday.

Scherzer left his start on Saturday due to fatigue in his left side.

According to Showalter, Scherzer could pitch on Friday against the Marlins in Miami, could get pushed back, or could miss this turn through the rotation entirely.

If Scherzer doesn't pitch on Friday, either Carlos Carrasco, David Peterson, or Trevor Williams would likely start in his place.

MAY EXPECTED BACK SOON

Trevor May, who has been on the non-injury IL, could return as soon as Wednesday, Showalter said. If not Wednesday, May could be back during this weekend's series against the Marlins.

Sept. 4, 7:54 p.m.

In his second rehab appearance pitching for Double-A, Tylor Megill struck out the side in his one inning of work.

After pitching in relief in his first outing, Megill started Sunday’s game and dialed up his fastball to 95 mph. The righty has now struck out all six batters he’s faced so far during his assignment.

Sept. 4, 12:15 p.m.

A day after Max Scherzer left Saturday’s start early with what the team is calling “left side fatigue” manager Buck Showalter gave a small update on his starter’s health.

“[Scherzer] feels pretty good today. He’s going to start on an extra day or we push him back, but I don’t foresee this as a DL-able injury,” Showalter said prior to Sunday’s game. “He’s going to pitch soon after the off day.”

The Mets have an off day on Thursday, Sept. 8, which gives Scherzer and the entire rotation five days rest before their next scheduled starts. When the question of the team going with a six-man rotation to give their arms an extra day came up, Showalter said Scherzer doesn’t like having an extra day.

He also said he spoke to Scherzer in passing and he seemed ok, but the real test is when the right-hander goes through his work day early this week. That work day is when the team will know if he’s feeling a “bite” on his side or if it’s gone. And they'll decide then whether he'll make his next start.

Sept. 3, 5:40 p.m.

The Mets announced that right-handed reliever Trevor May has been placed on the Injured List.

The club did not designate an injury for May, which the team has done in the past in COVID-related instances.

To fill May’s spot in the bullpen, the Mets recalled right-hander Bryce Montes de Oca from Triple-A Syracuse.

Sept. 3, 4:30 p.m.

Prior to Saturday night’s matchup with the Washington Nationals, Buck Showalter offered some updates on a pair of Mets pitchers.

After making his first rehab appearance on Thursday, Tylor Megill is set to pitch again with Binghamton on Sunday. After that, Megill’s rehab may transfer to Syracuse, with the Mets still up in the air as to whether or not to use Megill in multiple-inning spots or in single innings in back-to-back days.

Meanwhile, Drew Smith, who hasn’t pitched since late July due to a strained right lat muscle, is scheduled to start a rehab assignment with Binghamton next Saturday, Sept. 10.

Sept. 2, 4:40 p.m.

Buck Showalter said Tylor Megill feels good after his first rehab appearance Thursday night with Binghamton. The current plan is to see how he feels in a day or two and then he'll pitch again. 

Showalter added that it's tough to convert Megill to a bullpen arm and they are in the process of figuring out what his role is, which will facilitate how long he needs to pitch in the minors.

Sept. 1, 8:28 p.m.

Tylor Megill made his first rehab appearance on Thursday night with Double-A Binghamton and struck out the side in his one inning of work.

Megill came in to pitch the sixth inning and had his fastball up to 97 mph. He also threw his slider and changeup, getting two of his three strikeouts on the latter pitch.

Sept. 1, 2:51 p.m.

Francisco Alvarez received good news on his injured right ankle, being diagnosed with a loose body, the Mets announced Thursday.

Per the team, Alvarez will receive an injection today at the Hospital for Special Surgery, with the tentative plan being for him to resume baseball activities in three-to-four days. His return to play will be dictated by his response to the injection and baseball activities.

Alvarez was at Citi Field on Thursday since he was in the city to receive opinions on his ankle.

SNY's Andy Martino reported last week that Alvarez had been dealing with ankle soreness.

Alvarez last played for Triple-A Syracuse on Aug. 23.

Aug. 31, 4:19 p.m.

The Mets gave a slew of injury updates on Wednesday:

Tylor Megill will be starting a rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton on Thursday.

Luis Guillorme is set to begin a rehab assignment on Sunday, either with Binghamton or Triple-A Syracuse.

Drew Smith is close to a rehab assignment.

Additionally, Brett Baty -- who is dealing with a thumb injury -- had imaging done and was set to test his injury before Wednesday's game.

Aug. 30, 4:38 p.m.

Prior to the Mets' first game of a three-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Buck Showalter said that Carlos Carrasco's (oblique) sim game went well and the veteran is on schedule to return to the rotation by the end of the week. 

"Good, good, he's going to take a work day and everything goes well he should fit back into the rotation hopefully by the end of the week," Showalter said. 

"We'll see, step by step. It went well. Threw 50, almost 55 pitches, felt good, feels good today. We'll see how his work day goes."

The Mets start a three-game series at home against the Washington Nationals on Friday, before traveling to face the Pirates in Pittsburgh on Monday, Sept. 5.

Aug. 28, 12:50 p.m.

Mets reliever Drew Smith threw 15 pitches during his first bullpen session since suffering a right lat strain, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

The 28-year-old last pitched on July 24 when he earned a win against the San Diego Padres, and was placed on the IL on July 28, retroactive to July 25. 

Smith is aiming to return to the team "with around three weeks remaining in the regular season to get himself reacclimated 'before the really fun stuff,'" per DiComo.

Aug. 27, 5:50 p.m.

The Mets officially activated infielder Eduardo Escobar on Saturday. Escobar is in Saturday’s starting lineup, playing third base and batting eighth.

Even with Escobar coming off the IL, third baseman Brett Baty remained on the Mets’ active roster. The Mets optioned Connor Grey to Triple-A Syracuse and DFA’d Yolmer Sanchez, with David Peterson also getting called up to start on the mound Saturday.

Additionally, Buck Showalter announced that starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco will throw a simulated game on Monday, with a rehab assignment to follow.

Aug. 26, 4:35 p.m.

Prior to Friday's game, Tylor Megill threw a bullpen session against standing batters at Citi Field. This is Megill's first bullpen since straining his right shoulder in mid-June. The plan is for Megill to throw a live bullpen on Monday and, if all goes well, the 27-year-old will go on a rehab assignment next week, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

The team is still expecting Megill to return in September as a reliever. 

Aug. 26, 2:49 p.m.

Carlos Carrasco, who has been out due to an oblique injury, expects to return to the rotation during the Mets' series against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field from Sept. 2-4, reports Tim Healey of Newsday.

Per Newsday, Carrasco threw a bullpen session on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium and will likely throw another one today.

Manager Buck Showalter said on Aug. 19 that the Mets could possibly get Carrasco back earlier than the initial three-to-four week timeline that was given after he suffered a low-grade oblique injury.

Carrasco suffered his injury on Aug. 15 and was placed on the IL the next day.

Aug. 25, 9:23 p.m.

Eduardo Escobar had a successful first rehab appearance with High-A Brooklyn, going 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and an RBI for the Cyclones against the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

Escobar played seven innings at shortstop, a position where he may see some playing time when he returns to the Mets.

Aug. 25, 4:30 p.m.

Eduardo Escobar is set to play seven innings at shortstop Thursday for High-A Brooklyn, Buck Showalter said before the Mets began a four-game series with the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field.

Escobar is still on track to return to the Mets for Friday or Saturday, Showalter confirmed.

The Cyclones, who have a 7:05 p.m. game against the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, announced that Escobar would bat second and play shortstop.

Aug. 22, 5:20 p.m.

Prior to Monday's game against the Yankees, Buck Showalter revealed that Taijuan Walker, who has been dealing with a bulging disc in his back, will take the mound Tuesday.

Jacob deGrom, Tuesday's original starter, will pitch either Thursday or Friday against the Rockies, per Showalter. Chris Bassitt will pitch the day deGrom doesn't.

The Mets also reinstated Tomás Nido from the IL prior to the team's game against the Yankees.

Aug. 21, 12:25 p.m.

Prior to Sunday's game, Buck Showalter gave updates on some of his injured/ailing players. 

Eduardo Escobar (oblique) is "doing well" and almost pain-free. He will likely return from the IL when he is eligible on Friday. 

As for Taijuan Walker (back), he went through his workout Sunday and it went well. The team will make a decision Monday on when he'll pitch next. That will also determine when Jacob deGrom pitches next.

Tomas Nido (illness) is progressing slow. He may need to catch in a rehab start before returning.

Aug. 20, 11:37 a.m.

Taijuan Walker, who is dealing with a bulging disk, won’t be pitching Sunday.

Buck Showalter said he’s unsure who will get the start, but Walker may pitch as soon as Tuesday against the Yankees instead. 

"He's doing really well," Showalter added. 

Aug. 19, 4:24 p.m.

The Mets could possibly get RHP Carlos Carrasco back earlier than the initial three-to-four week timeline that was given after he suffered a low-grade oblique injury.

"Been pretty positive about Carrasco today," manager Buck Showalter said on Friday. "We're hoping we can shorten some of that projection of his being gone."

Carrasco suffered his injury on Aug. 15 and was placed on the IL the next day.

The earliest Carrasco will be eligible to return is Aug. 31.

Aug. 17, 5:15 p.m.

Taijuan Walker received good news -- all things considered -- on his back spasms that forced him to leave Tuesday's start vs the Braves. 

Manager Buck Showalter indicated that it's unlikely for Walker to make his next start. However, the team is hopeful that he will be ok beyond that as there is no structural damage.


Aug. 17, 10:49 a.m.

Taijuan Walker, who left Tuesday's start against the Braves in Atlanta after just two innings because of back spasms, will undergo an MRI on Wednesday.

Speaking after the game, Walker said his back "locked up" on him after he covered first base for the last out of the second inning.

"It didn’t feel like I stepped wrong and I didn’t hear anything pop or anything, it just started to tighten up," Walker explained.

Added Walker:

"I’ve never had anything like this before. The training staff is not too concerned about it, so I’ll get an MRI tomorrow and then kind of see how I feel in the morning."

Manager Buck Showalter said some injuries "resolve fairly quickly," and that the Mets "hope that's the case" with Walker.

Aug. 16, 3:53 p.m.

Eduardo Escobar, who was initially in Tuesday's lineup against the Braves at third base, has been scratched.

Escobar has been dealing with left side tightness and has been unable to hit from the right side of the plate.

In other injury news, Carlos Carrasco -- who left Monday's game after two innings -- has been diagnosed with a low-grade left oblique strain and is expected to miss three-to-four weeks.

Aug. 15, 4:30 p.m.

After leaving Sunday’s game with a groin injury, Luis Guillorme is headed to the IL and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a moderate left groin strain.

The Mets have called up Deven Marrero to replace Guillorme after Buck Showalter said that Brett Baty and Mark Vientos are not options “at this point.”

Marrero, 31, was hitting .236 in Triple-A but is capable of providing defensive coverage at second, third and shortstop.

Eduardo Escobar is in the lineup tonight after experiencing left side tightness over the weekend and is playing third base. He hopes to return to switch-hitting as early as Tuesday. He’ll bat left-handed tonight against RHP Spencer Strider.

Tomas Nido did not make the trip to Atlanta as well with a non-injury related illness and he is not on the active roster. Michael Perez has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.

Aug. 14, 12 p.m.

Prior to Sunday's game against the Phillies, Buck Showalter gave a small update on Eduardo Escobar. Although he is not in Sunday's lineup, Buck said that Escobar "continues to improve" and that there has not been a setback.

Escobar told reporters prior to Sunday's game that he injured his oblique but it's progressing every day and doesn't consider the IL an option. He left Friday's game with left side tightness, and an MRI Saturday came back clean.

Jeff McNeil's thumb is also continuing to improve and is in the lineup Sunday.

Aug. 13, 5:07 p.m.

A duo of injured Mets pitchers will throw on Sunday.

Tylor Megill is scheduled for a 15-pitch bullpen session which will be his first since his right shoulder injury. Megill last pitched on June 16.

Drew Smith will begin throwing for the first time on Sunday as well as he attempts to come back from a strained lat that has sidelined him for more than two weeks.

Aug. 7, 3:49 p.m.

Mets RHP Taijuan Walker was shelled in his start on Friday against the Atlanta Braves, lasting just one inning after allowing eight runs.

Walker also seemed to be dealing with a hip issue after grabbing at it during a pitch in the inning. But, according to Newsday’s Tim Healey, Walker said that right hip is “sore,” however he should be good to go for his next start.

Aug. 6, 12:30 p.m.

Tylor Megill spoke to reporters on the field prior to Saturday's game one of a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, and is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session next Saturday as he works his way back from the injured list.

Megill was moved to the 60-day IL on June 27 with a right shoulder strain after he was initially placed on the 10-day IL. He hopes to return to the team by late August/early September as a reliever, and added that he'll work back to being a starter over the winter.

"That's something they told me, that I should be starting next year, get back in the buildup of starting," Megill said.

"I figured so, I mean for the most part all our starters are back, and then by the time I do come back if I were to start it would be maybe three starts, four starts," Megill said. "Would I get starts up here? Probably not. I guess if they want to throw me into the bullpen, so be it. I'll do whatever I can do to help the team win."

Additionally, RHP Tommy Hunter was placed on the 15-day IL with low back tightness prior to Saturday's doubleheader.

"We think in the two-week period it should calm down enough to contribute the rest of the way," Buck Showalter said.

Aug. 4, 9:12 p.m.

Dom Smith played five innings for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday night against Lehigh Valley.

Starting at first base and batting third, Smith went 0-for-1 but worked a pair of walks in his first rehab start coming off a right ankle sprain.

He was replaced at first base to start the sixth inning.

Aug. 4, 5:19 p.m.

Buck Showalter announced that Dom Smith will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday night against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

According to Showalter, the plan for Thursday is for Smith to play five innings and get two-to-three at-bats.

When Smith is healthy enough to be activated (he sprained his right ankle and landed on the IL in late July), Showalter said he and GM Billy Eppler will sit down and decide what's next for Smith.

Aug. 4, 2:57 p.m.

The Mets announced C James McCann was reinstated from the 10-day IL on Thursday ahead of the series opener against the Atlanta Braves. It was a move Buck Showalter alluded to on Wednesday. 

Patrick Mazeika was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse to make room.

McCann will start behind the plate, catching Carlos Carrasco, and will also start in one of the games for Saturday's doubleheader.

Right now, the plan is for McCann and Tomas Nido to be in a 50 percent timeshare behind the plate, at least for the short term.

Aug. 1, 4:21 p.m.

Trevor May could return to the Mets as early as Wednesday against the Nationals, manager Buck Showalter said on Monday.

May pitched for Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday and Sunday, appearing in back-to-back games for the first time during his rehab assignment.

May has been out since May 3 due to a triceps injury.

Showalter also noted that James McCann, who has also been on a rehab assignment, could return as early as Thursday.

McCann has been out since suffering an oblique injury on July 9.

July 31, 12:02 p.m.

There were multiple reports that the Mets expected Jacob deGrom to make his season debut on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals, and Buck Showalter confirmed that before the series finale with the Miami Marlins on Sunday.

DeGrom was doing some light work on the side today to prepare for his outing. Showalter understands the frustration and hard work that deGrom had to go through, so he’s hoping just for a healthy outing from the ace.

July 30, 12:55 p.m.

The Mets plan to start Jacob deGrom on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals, according to multiple reports.

DeGrom had been dealing with leg cramping during his final rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse, and will get an extra day of rest by starting on Tuesday.

July 30, 12:35 a.m.

Though Buck Showalter was non-committal about Jacob deGrom's return date on Friday, MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reports that the plan is for deGrom to make his return on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals.

As DiComo notes, starting on Tuesday would give deGrom an extra day of rest coming off his final rehab appearance with Syracuse.

If all goes to plan, Max Scherzer will start on Monday, with deGrom on Tuesday and Chris Bassitt on Wednesday.

July 29, 5:00 p.m.

Prior to Friday’s game against the Miami Marlins, Buck Showalter offered a number of injury updates:

- With Jacob deGrom joining the team in Miami, the plan is still to activate him to pitch against the Washington Nationals at some point early next week, though the team is not committing fully to a day just yet until they see how deGrom is feeling over the next few days.

- Showalter also revealed that deGrom dealt with leg cramping during his final rehab start with Syracuse, but that’s believed to be a non-issue moving forward.

- Trevor May is expected to make rehab outings on both Saturday and Sunday, with the Mets hoping to have him back on Wednesday. Meanwhile, James McCann is expected to return to the Mets on Thursday.

- Tylor Megill isn’t eligible to come off of the 60-day IL until mid-August, but Showalter explained that Megill will likely be used out of the bullpen for the rest of the season whenever he is able to return.

July 29, 3:13 p.m.

Jacob deGrom has joined the Mets in Miami for their series against the Marlins ahead of his likely activation from the IL.

DeGrom, who made his fourth rehab start on Wednesday with Triple-A Syracuse, is expected to come off the IL and make his first start of the season next week against the Nationals in Washington, D.C. during a three-game series that begins on Monday, Aug. 1.

If deGrom starts on regular rest, he would pitch on Aug. 1. If the Mets give him an extra day, he would start on Aug. 2.

The Mets giving deGrom an extra day of rest would also allow them to keep Max Scherzer on regular rest and start Scherzer on Monday, followed by deGrom on Tuesday.

July 28, 4:54 p.m. 

The Mets placed reliever Drew Smith on the IL with a right lat strain.

The move is retroactive to July 25, with his having last pitched on July 24. Smith has struggled lately, allowing runs in three of his last four appearances.

Before Smith's arm issue arose, the Mets were already searching for bullpen help via trade.

July 27, 8:41 p.m.

Trevor May pitched an inning in relief on Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse, allowing a run on one hit and striking out one.

May pitched the seventh inning after Jacob deGrom made his fourth rehab start, and threw 18 pitches (11 strikes). He allowed a run after throwing a wild pitch that scored the runner on third base who stole second and third.

It was May’s second rehab outing and the relief pitcher could return to the club as early as Tuesday upon clearing “the last hurdle” which is pitching on back-to-back days. The plan is to have him pitch on Saturday, then Sunday before joining the team.

July 27, 4:19 p.m.

After Jacob deGrom made a rehab start on Wednesday afternoon, Mets manager Buck Showalter said that the plan is for deGrom's next start to be with the Mets.

Showalter said that would be contingent on how deGrom feels over the next few days.

Asked how deGrom came out of Wednesday's start, Showalter said that his arm felt good.

DeGrom struggled with his command early on Wednesday before settling in late, giving up four runs on two hits (both home runs) while walking three and striking out six in 67 pitches over four innings.

If Wednesday was indeed deGrom's final rehab start, he could be lined up to make his season debut next week against the Nationals during a series that begins Aug.1 in Washington, D.C.

Wednesday was deGrom's fourth rehab start and fifth outing overall, with his most recent one being a simulated game.

July 26, 4:30 p.m.

Manager Buck Showalter provided an update on James McCann and Trevor May before Tuesday's game against the Yankees. 

McCann is tentatively scheduled for a rehab assignment Thursday. The veteran catcher suffered an oblique injury earlier this month and looks to be close to a return. 

As for May, the reliever will join Jacob deGrom in his own rehab assignment Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse. According to Buck, the plan is for May to pitch Wednesday, and then Saturday and Sunday to give him back-to-back days of work. 

If all goes well, May could join the team early next week. 

July 25, 6:51 p.m.

On Wednesday, Jacob deGrom will make his next rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse as he continues to get ready to make his season debut with the club, the team confirmed.

He threw 60 pitches during a simulated game Thursday and came out of it “feeling good.”

July 25, 5:36 p.m.

Buck Showalter spoke on WFAN's "Carton & Roberts" where he said Jacob deGrom is "very close to hopefully the end of this," in reference to his long rehab. 

DeGrom threw on Monday and looked good, according to Showalter. He also added that there is potential for deGrom to make his season debut with the Mets if all goes well with his next rehab start. 

July 24, 4:25 p.m.

Prior to Sunday's series finale against the Padres, manager Buck Showalter gave an update on Jacob deGrom and Trevor May.

On deGrom: He went through a side session Sunday and "it seemed to go well" per Buck. The team will see how he feels Monday before deciding where he goes next. 

"Plan is for him to make a start somewhere during the coming week and we’ll see where that takes us. I know what the plan is, but if something happens to deviate from that plan, we will" Showalter said. 

On May: The reliever pitched one inning for Double-A Binghamton. He gave up one hit, struck out one and threw 14 pitches.  Buck said the plan is to have May continue rehabbing and ideally will like to have him pitch on back-to-back days.

July 23, 4:40 p.m.

Manager Buck Showalter announced that reliever Trevor May is scheduled to pitch one inning for Double-A Binghamton on Sunday.

"He’s moving well, moving good," said Showalter. "I’ll be glad to get him back. … We’ve really missed him."

The right-hander has been out since May 2 with a stress reaction on his right humerus.

July 22, 8:35 p.m.

After manager Buck Showalter told reporters Friday that Jacob deGrom would make one more rehab start before returning to the Mets, GM Billy Eppler explained that there was no concern behind the move.

"Just about stretching him out," Eppler told reporters prior to Friday's game between the Mets and San Diego Padres. "We'll get him better armed for a debut than trying to do something on a shorter pitch count.

"Actually, another thing that kind of played into it was -- when there's four days where you cannot send a player that's rehabbing in baseball, because of the inactivity in the minor leagues, that presents some problems, trying to get people back and acclimated.

"And so, how do you raise the intensity in a simulated game or live BP setting? It's pretty hard to do. So there was a couple different factors that helped drive the fact that we want to get Jake a little bit, one more showing before coming."

July 22, 4:11 p.m.

The plan is for Jacob deGrom to make one more rehab start before he returns to the big league club, Buck Showalter told reporters on Friday.

DeGrom and Trevor May will come to Citi Field on Sunday for a "work day," and Showalter said the Mets ace "feels good."

Tylor Megill also told Sports Illustrated that he will throw later Friday for a second-straight day, this time throwing at 75 feet.

July 20, 9:00 p.m.

Jacob deGrom pitched a simulated game on Thursday night, throwing 60 pitches. Following the outing, which included five up/downs, he said he was "feeling good" 

The Mets had pushed deGrom’s simulated start back two days after the two-time Cy Young winner informed the team of some mild muscle soreness around his shoulder on Sunday.

If deGrom feels healthy in the coming days, normal five days rest would place his next appearance on Tuesday, the day the Mets begin their Subway Series with the Yankees at Citi Field. Of course, the team could elect to give him extra rest, and could still ultimately decide to have deGrom make another rehab start before joining the big club.

July 20, 7:44 p.m.

The Mets have placed Dominic Smith on the 10-day injured list due to an ankle injury.

The move is retroactive to July 17, the final day before the All-Star break, meaning Smith would be eligible to return on July 27. Smith rolled his ankle against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

Smith has struggled immensely this season -- he is hitting just .194 with zero home runs and a .560 OPS, and is 1 for his last 21.

July 19, 8:20 p.m.

Jacob deGrom's simulated game, previously scheduled for Tuesday, has been pushed back "out of an abundance of caution" after the right-hander experienced mild muscle soreness in his right shoulder.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner experienced the soreness on Sunday, but played catch on Monday and Tuesday without issue.

DeGrom, coming back from a stress reaction in his right scapula, has made three rehab starts and his simulated game could be his final tune-up before rejoining the Mets.

July 17, 1:30 p.m.

Prior to Sunday's game against the Cubs, Showalter gave some minor updates on Tomas Nido and Dom Smith. 

The swelling on Smith's ankle has gone down, and Showalter said he took an x-ray but he'll get some imaging when they get back to New York. 

As for Nido, the catcher is receiving an MRI on his left forearm and Showalter doesn't believe it's serious.

July 16, 6:58 p.m.

Manager Buck Showalter said on Saturday after game one of the team's doubleheader against the Cubs that Dom Smith will get an MRI on his swollen right ankle.

Smith "rolled it pretty good" in the top of the tenth inning while getting back to second base on a bunt attempt. He left the game and was replaced by J.D. Davis.

July 16, 1:30 p.m.

Jacob deGrom is slated to throw live batting practice Tuesday, July 19, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, manager Buck Showalter told reporters prior to Saturday's Mets-Cubs doubleheader.

"(DeGrom) felt good today -- I know that, I heard that," Showalter said.

DeGrom is three starts into his rehab assignment. He has yielded one run on five hits with 15 strikeouts to one walk and one hit batter in 8 2/3 IP over three outings between Low-A Port St. Lucie (two) and Triple-A Syracuse (one).

July 15, 8:30 p.m.

Jacob deGrom made his third rehab start on Thursday night, and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner sounds pleased with where the ace is in his return from a stress reaction in his right scapula.

“He’s getting there,” Hefner said, via Mike Puma of the New York Post. “Now it’s just about building up. He’s got the command, his stuff is coming out well and crispness and the off-speed pitches. It’s all there. Now we just have to make sure he’s built up properly."

Hefner told The Post that outside of small mechanical things that all pitchers (even healthy ones) deal with, there have been no red flags with deGrom's progression.

And as for when deGrom could return to the big leagues, Hefner explained the team is going to continue to take things one day at a time.

“It just depends on how he feels,” said Hefner. “It’s just one of those things where he could get another rehab start in Triple-A or Double-A or something and then five days later or six days later that could be the day [with the Mets].”

July 13, 4:24 p.m.

Starling Marte, who hasn't played since last Saturday due to a groin issue, is close to returning.

Mets manager Buck Showalter said after Wednesday's win over the Braves that both Marte and Jeff McNeil (who has been on paternity leave) could be back for Thursday's series opener against the Cubs in Chicago.

July 12, 5:07 p.m.

Starling Marte continues to recover from a groin injury, and though he’s not on the IL, it’s an ongoing situation with the Mets. He did tell media members that he’s feeling better, and the pain has subsided a bit. However, he still needs a couple more days to work through it before he gets back in the lineup.

So it appears likely Marte won’t be available for the Braves’ finale on Wednesday afternoon, though we’ll see for sure when the lineup comes out. The All-Star could be ready for the four-game Cubs set in Chicago before the All-Star break instead.

July 11, 3:46 p.m.

Jacob deGrom is set for his next rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, per The New York Post's Joel Sherman. 

If all goes well, Buck Showalter said that deGrom might have to have a game made up for him to get a "fourth start" in due to no minor league games being played during MLB's All-Star break. 

"If we think that’s the best way to go, we will make a game up. They’re be some players that don’t get a break. But we’ll see how Thursday goes in Syracuse and go from there.”

DeGrom threw three innings for St. Lucie last Friday night, and he said he felt "really good" after throwing 36 pitches.

Travis Jankowski was also activated off the IL after dealing with a hand injury. Jeff McNeil was placed on paternity leave.

July 10, 4:55 p.m.

The Mets received good news on Starling Marte's groin, as Buck Showalter said they are not expecting him to go on the IL.

"Everything came out fine, just some slight inflammation," Marte told reporters on Sunday afternoon.

Marte said he still has some tests to go through, but expects to play "as soon as possible."

"I'm hoping it's not too long," added Showalter.

July 10, 12:09 p.m. 

James McCann is heading to the 10-day IL with an oblique injury, while the Mets still await the results for Starling Marte about his groin injury, said Buck Showalter prior to Sunday’s game.

McCann worked hard to return to the Mets after suffering a hamate injury earlier this season. Now, Patrick Mazeika is back up to take his place on the roster, as Showalter added that it’s likely to be longer than 10 days.

July 9, 9:00 p.m.

The Mets confirmed that Jacob deGrom's next rehab start will come with Triple-A Syracuse on either Wednesday or Thursday. The team is not yet ready to commit to a day.

DeGrom threw three inning for St. Lucie on Friday night, say he felt "really good" after throwing 36 pitches.

July 6, 5:20 p.m.

Travis Jankowski could return to the Mets next week when the team takes on the Atlanta Braves, Buck Showalter said on Wednesday.

The outfielder has been out since May 25 with a metacarpal fracture in his left hand.

July 6, 3:31 p.m.

Chris Bassitt is slated as Friday's probable starter against the Miami Marlins.

The righty was considered a "longshot" to be activated off the COVID-IL by Thursday, but 24 hours isn't much of a delay.

Friday will be Bassitt's first outing since June 25, where he tossed seven innings of six-hit, three-run ball against the Marlins - this will be his third-consecutive start against Miami. Five of his last six appearances have been quality starts, including each of his last three (2.53 ERA, six earned runs/21.1 innings in that span).

With Bassitt pitching Friday, Max Scherzer is slated to throw Monday when the Mets open up a four-game set in Atlanta against the defending World Series champion Braves, whose red-hot stretch of late has put them just 2.5 games behind the Mets in the division race.

July 6, 1:45 p.m.

Jacob deGrom's next rehab start will come with the St. Lucie Mets on Friday night against the Daytona Tortugas, the Mets' Single-A club announced on Wednesday. 

DeGrom last pitched on Sunday, throwing 24 pitches and striking out five Jupiter Hammerheads in his first game action since last July.

As noted by MLB.com's Anthony DiComo, deGrom is expected throw about 40 pitches on Friday.

July 4, 4:27 p.m.

Chris Bassitt is a "longshot" to be activated off the IL on Thursday, said manager Buck Showalter

Instead, it'll very likely be Trevor Williams making the spot start for Bassitt, who is on the COVID IL. 

David Peterson is expected to go on Wednesday for the Mets. 

July 3, 12:15 p.m.

Buck Showalter told reporters on Sunday afternoon that Travis Jankowski is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse next week.

Jankowski has a left fourth metacarpal fracture, and has not played since May 25. He provided a jolt on the base paths late in games as well as in the outfield, and if all goes to plan, he should return within the next couple of weeks.

July 2, 2:35 p.m.

Jacob deGrom will begin a rehab assignment on Sunday with Low-A St. Lucie.

Buck Showalter said the plan is for him to throw two innings. He has not pitched this season, but this will be his first game action in almost a whole calendar year - his last game was on July 7 of last year.

Showalter said deGrom has hit "every benchmark" throughout his rehab, and they'll have next steps depending on how he feels on Monday.

Mets GM Billy Eppler was also asked about deGrom on Saturday, saying he expects the righty to throw "somewhere in the vicinity" of 25 pitches in his first rehab outing.

"Every day that we can check a box off is a day that we feel better and it’s clearly a day closer," Eppler said. "The fact that he’s kind of been able to meet these goals and standards is keeping us optimistic and on course."

July 2, 1:28 p.m.

Trevor May threw a bullpen on Saturday, according to Deesha Thosar.

May stayed in the low-90s in his first bullpen session since his injury two months ago, and expects to return at the end of the month.

July 1, 4:07 p.m.

Trevor May will begin mound work and bullpen sessions on Saturday, the reliever told Pat Ragazzo.

May has been out since May 2 with a stress reaction on his right humerus. 

July 1, 3:09 p.m.

Max Scherzer is coming off the IL to start Tuesday against the Reds in Cincinnati.

The three-time Cy Young award winner said Friday that he'll potentially go around six innings and 90 pitches, but it will depend on how he feels. 

He added that as a result of his oblique injury, he'll likely do maintenance work related to it for the rest of his career.

Scherzer had previously said he was ready to rejoin the team after Wednesday's rehab start for Double-A Binghamton, when he threw 80 pitches. 

“I had to work through some traffic, was about to come back out and get five ups in, get 80 pitches in, and everything felt good, so I’m good to go,” he said.

June 30, 2:09 p.m.

Jacob deGrom could begin a rehab assignment with the St. Lucie Mets on Sunday, according to multiple reports.

If deGrom pitches on Sunday, it will be his first game action since last July 7.

Since deGrom is building back up from such a long absence, he will likely need three or four rehab starts before returning to the majors. 

DeGrom threw 27 pitches on Wednesday morning in Port St. Lucie during what was his second live batting practice session as he works his way back from a shoulder injury, manager Buck Showalter told reporters, adding that they would see how deGrom felt on Thursday before determining next steps.

"We'll see how he feels tomorrow," Showalter said. "We have a schedule worked out, and know what will happen if everything feels well tomorrow. But don't want to get ahead of it yet. So tomorrow if he feels well, we'll probably be able to talk about that next step."

June 28, 3:11 p.m.

Max Scherzer's rehab start for Double-A Binghamton, initially scheduled for Tuesday night in Hartford against the Yard Goats, has been moved to Wednesday.

The move is simply precautionary due to the nature of the injury, and Buck Showalter said it was a joint decision between everyone, including Scherzer.

"Listening to Max and watching him and everything, just felt like we had the benefit of an extra day... We're listening to Max more than anything, and the people that have been working with him since this started... There's no reason to rush it. We're not gonna make that mistake. It's not gonna affect the number of times [he pitches]. He's right where he needs to be," Showalter said before the Mets' kick off their series against the Houston Astros on Tuesday.

"Gotta be careful," he added. "This is an injury where if we go too fast, you're right back to where you were again. We're gonna take every precaution possible, and I think Max understands and appreciates it, even though it can be frustrating for guys as competitive as him."

Despite being cautious, Scherzer is "ready to go," says Showalter. 

"He thinks he can pitch here tonight."

"I cannot have a setback, I've got to come back healthy," Scherzer said on Saturday. "I cannot have a setback, so I understand that, I will pitch when I'm ready to pitch."

Wednesday's start will be in Hartford, with first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

Showalter also told reporters that Jacob deGrom will throw another live BP session in the "next day or two," after his first one went "really well."

June 27, 4:15 p.m.

Tylor Megill was officially moved from the 10-day to 60-day IL by the Mets on Monday. 

This move was inevitable as the team announced they were shutting Megill down for four weeks to reevaluate him after leaving his June start against the Brewers with right bicep inflammation. 

In addition, the Mets reinstated RHP Colin Holderman from the Injured List and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse.

June 26, 11:47 a.m.

Max Scherzer's next rehab start has been set. 

He will make a start for Double-A Binghamton in Hartford on Tuesday.

"I'm ahead of schedule, I'm doing great, making the progress I need to be," Scherzer said last time out. "Just one of these things you got to be delicate with, and I respect the injury."

June 26, 11:04 a.m.

Buck Showalter told media members Sunday that he expects Jeff McNeil to be back starting on Tuesday against the Houston Astros. 

McNeil has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but the Mets weren't keen to place him on the IL. They were allowing him to work through it on the bench and it seems like he's done that. 

June 25, 2:25 p.m.

Manager Buck Showalter provided an update on Jacob deGrom before Saturday's game and said the ace's live BP session "went really well."

"Good, went well, threw live BP, threw to some hitters, it went well," Showalter said. "It's like all these things, you kind of wait and see how he recovers tomorrow, it's like with the imaging, you start with an X-ray then you go the different ones. But today went really well."

Showalter said deGrom has followed the team's schedule as he works his way back to the mound.

Showalter added that reliever Colin Holderman will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.

June 25, 1:55 p.m.

Max Scherzer spoke to reporters prior to Saturday's game in Miami, and said he is planning another rehab start, "most likely Tuesday," but was not sure for which minor league affiliate.

"Yeah, I think we are going to repeat the rehab start again," Scherzer said. "Just hit a plateau in this, I'm trying to pitch and do rehab at the same time."

"I'm ahead of schedule, I'm doing great, making the progress I need to be," Scherzer said. "Just one of these things you got to be delicate with, and I respect the injury."

Scherzer said it hasn't been decided if he will have a pitch count when he pitches again, and said that there have not been any setbacks. 

"I cannot have a setback, I've got to come back healthy," Scherzer said. "I cannot have a setback, so I understand that, I will pitch when I'm ready to pitch."

June 24, 4:14 p.m.

Max Scherzer won't be activated from the IL to pitch against the Marlins on Sunday in Miami, manager Buck Showalter said.

As far as when and where Scherzer will pitch next, Showalter either didn't have that information, the Mets haven't made a decision, or Showalter didn't want to divulge.

Showalter said Scherzer could pitch "somewhere" on Monday or Tuesday, but didn't say if it would be a rehab start or not.

The Mets are off on Monday, so if Scherzer pitches that day, it will be a rehab start.

If Scherzer pitches Tuesday, it could be a rehab start or be for the Mets, who host the Houston Astros that night.

June 24, 3:46 p.m.

James McCann was activated from the IL before Friday's game against the Marlins in Miami, with Patrick Mazeika sent down to Triple-A Syracuse to make room on the roster.

McCann, who was out with a broken bone in his hand, last played in the majors on May 10.

Joey Lucchesi, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, is aiming to return at some point in August.

June 23, 3:19 p.m.

Max Scherzer, Carlos Carrasco and Jeff McNeil were among players to undergo on-field workouts at the University of Miami during the Mets' day off. New York starts a three-game series at the Marlins on Friday.

In images posted by the Hurricanes, Scherzer threw from the mound and Carrasco (who left Wednesday's start early due to a back issue) appeared to throw as well.

Scherzer made a rehab start on Tuesday, so he is likely getting his between-starts session in. Scherzer could be activated from the IL to start Sunday's game against the Marlins.

As for Carrasco, he was expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday but said after leaving Wednesday's game that he had no concerns.

June 23, 1:58 p.m.

The Mets hope Jacob deGrom will be back a few weeks ahead of the Aug. 2 trade deadline, reports SNY's Andy Martino.

That would mean a return around the All-Star break, which starts on July 18. 

The Mets' final game before the break is on July 17 against the Cubs in Chicago. Their first game after the break is on July 22 against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field.

DeGrom faced hitters earlier this week for the first time since suffering his shoulder injury in March, and that will possibly be one of his final steps before beginning a rehab assignment.

Unlike Max Scherzer, who might return after making just one rehab start, deGrom is expected to need perhaps three or four due to the length of time he's been out. That means that his rehab assignment could last roughly two or three weeks.

June 22, 1:14 p.m.

Max Scherzer, who threw 65 pitches while tossing 3.1 innings in a rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Tuesday, could return from the IL on Sunday to start against the Marlins in Miami, manager Buck Showalter said on Wednesday.

Showalter said that no decision will be made until the team sees how Scherzer feels. After his start on Tuesday, Scherzer said that he was healthy and was checking all the boxes, but that how he felt on Wednesday would be key.

If Scherzer starts on Sunday, he will be doing so on regular rest.

June 21, 5:20 p.m.

Prior to the first game in their two-game against the Houston Astros, Mets manager Buck Showalter had a few injury updates to give involving Jeff McNeil, James McCann, Jacob deGrom and others.

In regards to McNeil, Showalter said that he is "day-to-day" after leaving Monday's game with a hamstring issue. McNeil underwent an MRI on Tuesday and Showalter wouldn't rule him out to appear in this series. 

"We were positive about the tests that came back, so that's good news," Showalter said. "I think he got ahead of it, felt it a little bit and we got him out of there. Hopefully that precaution will get him back here shortly."

McNeil also spoke about his status, saying "I definitely think we caught it in time," and that the strength was still there in his leg.

As for his catcher, Showalter said the earliest McCann can return to the team would be the first game in Miami, which falls on Friday. 

DeGrom threw  live batting practice in Port St. Lucie on Tuesday (the first time he's faced hitters) and Showalter said it went well. 

Showalter confirmed that Travis Jankowski can begin baseball activities. The Mets outfielder has been sidelined with a hand injury. He's hoping to return in early July.

Trevor May is "doing well" and is starting to make progress after suffering a stress reaction in his right humerus back on May 3.

June 20, 2:45 p.m.

Jeff McNeil left the Mets - Marlins game after scoring a run in the bottom of the fourth inning with a tight right hamstring, the team announced.

Buck Showalter seemed to insinuate that taking McNeil out, though, was just precautionary, saying he and McNeil "talked about being careful."

McNeil thinks it's just a day-to-day injury, according to Showalter.

“I think the only time he felt it a little bit was on the quick break on the short wild pitch," Showalter said. "We’ll see. We’ll see. He thinks at this point [that it’s a] day-to-day thing, but we’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”

June 20, 11:05 a.m.

Max Scherzer's rehab continues to take positive leaps, but this might be the last one. 

Scherzer is set to pitch in a rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Tuesday, Buck Showalter confirmed. And James McCann, who has been in Double-A, will be catching him. 

If all goes well there, Scherzer could be back by Sunday, according to The Post's Jon Heyman. 

"We’ll see how Tuesday goes," Showalter told reporters on Monday. "And after Tuesday and after his work day, kinda see. We trust him but there’s also some things we need to see.

Scherzer had previously said he expected to rehab on Tuesday and hopes he will be good to go after that.

June 18, 12:10 a.m.

James McCann made his second rehab appearance for Double-A Binghamton on Friday night, serving as the Rumble Ponies' DH against the Bowie Baysox.

McCann went 1-for-5 with an RBI double, though he did strikeout four times in a 9-8 Bowie win.

The veteran is scheduled to be back behind the plate for Binghamton on Saturday.

June 17, 4:13 p.m.

James McCann is set to play in at least two more rehab games.

He began his assignment on Thursday with Double-A Binghamton - he went hitless in his four at-bats and caught six innings.

He will DH for the Rumble Ponies on Friday, and then catch again Saturday.

June 17, 3:55 p.m.

Travis Jankowski hopes to come off the IL in early July, according to the Daily News.

He will undergo a bone test on Tuesday, and if all goes well, he expects to be cleared for baseball activity.

Jankowski was placed in the 15-Day IL on May 27 with a left 4th metacarpal fracture in his hand.

Popular in the Community