A.J. Minter Update: Injury Status, Recovery Timeline, Roster Outlook

This blog post unpacks what’s going on with Mets lefty A.J. Minter, his rehab timeline after a lat injury, and how his absence could shake up New York’s bullpen as spring training barrels toward Grapefruit League games.

We’ll also check out the contract angle, his recent injury history, and what choices the Mets have to fill left-handed relief roles early on.

A.J. Minter’s Injury Timeline and Return Outlook

After tearing his lat and ending his 2025 season, Minter had surgery in early May. He’s about a month behind the rest of the team in camp, and it’s hard to imagine he’ll be ready for Opening Day.

MLB.com’s tracker points to a possible return in early May. There’s a chance he could pitch in the Grapefruit League before spring training wraps, but that’s far from certain.

Minter, now 32, had the lat repaired, which is a real headache for the Mets’ bullpen plans right now. His long-term outlook is still solid based on his history, but the short-term path back to the majors is all about rehab—and that could easily stretch into May, depending on how his workouts and live sessions go.

Impact on Mets Bullpen Depth

With Minter out, the Mets need other lefties to step up for late-inning work. Brooks Raley looks like the main lefty reliever to start the season, and Bryan Hudson is the only other healthy southpaw on the roster.

How the Mets bridge innings in April and May will depend on how bold they get with non-roster invitees, or if they chase outside additions. There are a few non-roster lefties in camp who might grab a bullpen spot, and the team could always hunt for free agents or waiver pickups if they want more southpaw depth.

It’s fair to wonder if a stopgap can really cover the early-season gap until Minter’s back in action.

• If Minter isn’t ready for Opening Day, Raley probably takes on the toughest lefty assignments, with Hudson fighting for more late-inning work.
• This leaves a real hole in left-handed relief, making a midseason move for another lefty more likely, especially if the Mets face a ton of righty-heavy lineups.
• The team might roll with whichever non-roster invitees look sharp in camp, then shuffle or add arms based on how things go in April and May.

Contract Context and Proven Track Record

Let’s not forget the contract piece or what Minter’s done before. The Mets gave him a two-year, $22 million deal with a midterm opt-out after he missed the end of 2024.

He chose not to opt out after the 2025 injury, which says a lot about how he feels about his comeback and his place in the bullpen. Before these injuries, Minter was a real difference-maker—durable and effective when healthy.

From 2020 through 2023 with Atlanta, he threw 208 2/3 innings, held a 2.89 ERA, struck out about 31% of hitters, and kept walks under 8%. That’s the kind of upside the Mets wanted for their late innings. In 2024, he was on track for more of the same, but nagging left-hip problems led to surgery, knocked him out for a big chunk of that year, and left the bullpen in a tough spot heading into 2025.

What to Watch in the Coming Weeks

Spring’s here, and honestly, most folks are watching Minter’s progress. The bullpen’s getting shaken up while he’s out.

If Minter manages a Grapefruit League appearance, he’ll probably need a slow, multi-week rehab before the Mets put him back on the active roster. Meanwhile, the Mets have to rely on Raley’s experience and give Hudson a shot to show he can handle those high-pressure lefty moments early on.

People around camp are still checking out free agents and waiver options, just in case an upgrade pops up.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Latest On A.J. Minter