Mets LHP A.J. Minter (lat strain) considering season-ending surgery

New York Mets reliever A.J. Minter will miss significant time and is considering season-ending surgery after sustaining a left lat strain, manager Carlos Mendoza said on Tuesday.

Minter said he was gathering information from doctors reviewing his injury.

"I have no idea, honestly," said Minter, 31. "I'm still waiting."

The left-hander last pitched on Saturday, recording one strikeout and one walk in one-third of an inning when he was injured in the Mets' 2-0 win at the Washington Nationals. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday, but the Mets are looking much further ahead.

Minter could choose rest and rehabilitation, which means he potentially could return this season, or undergo season-ending surgery.

"All we know right now is we're dealing with a pretty significant injury here," Mendoza said. "It's a big blow, I'm not going to lie.

"Not only because of his ability to throw in high leverage, but his ability to get lefties and righties (out). It's a big blow for sure, but guys will step up. Guys will continue to get opportunities and we got to keep going. Sucks for him. Especially going down this early."

In his first season with New York after spending his career with the Atlanta Braves (2017-24), Minter is 0-0 with a 1.64 ERA, five walks and 14 strikeouts in 11 innings over 13 relief appearances.

He had signed as a free agent in January to a two-year, $22 million contract that includes an opt-out after this season -- which is less likely now.

Minter underwent season-ending left hip surgery last September involving a labrum repair, hip impingement and a lesion on the femur. He originally delayed the surgery with a month of rest last season, idling from May until he returned in July.

He is 24-29 in his career with 36 saves, a 3.23 ERA, 128 walks and 436 strikeouts in 359 2/3 innings over 397 regular-season relief appearances. Minter also is 3-1 with a 2.88 ERA, eight walks and 36 strikeouts in 25 innings over 20 playoff games (one start) and was member of the Braves' 2021 World Series championship team.

The Mets made several pitching moves on Tuesday, recalling right-hander Kevin Herget from Triple-A Syracuse, designating right-hander Jose Urena for assignment, re-signing free agent left-hander Brooks Raley and transferring Sean Manaea (strained right oblique) from the 15- to the 60-day injured list.

Raley, a big part of the Mets' bullpen in 2023, immediately was placed on the 15-day injured list as he is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in May 2024.

--Field Level Media