Mets Injury Updates: Minter and Polanco Progressing, Mendoza Remembers Sterling

The New York Mets are gearing up for a crucial three-game series against the Colorado Rockies, seeking to avenge a previous sweep at Citi Field. Ahead of the series opener, manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the media, providing updates on injured players A.J. Minter and Jorge Polanco, while also reflecting on the recent passing of legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling.

Reliever A.J. Minter is nearing a return to the big league roster. After pitching a scoreless inning for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, Minter is set to take the mound in back-to-back games starting Wednesday, a key step in his rehabilitation process. Mendoza detailed the plan, stating, “Right now he’s gonna pitch again on Wednesday. So Wednesday and hopefully he goes back-to-back – maybe shorter, maybe a hitter or two the following day, but just trying to get him in the back-to-back, the routine, getting in the bullpen, warmup, and then getting in the game.” If all goes according to plan, Minter could be activated by the weekend.

On the other hand, infielder Jorge Polanco has resumed baseball activities after dealing with a right wrist contusion and ongoing bursitis in his left Achilles. Mendoza noted, “He ran, he’s gonna take BP, he’s gonna do defense and we’ll see how he responds after another heavy day today, tomorrow and see what happens.” Before landing on the injured list, Polanco was struggling at the plate with a .179 batting average, including one home run and two RBIs, following his two-year, $40 million signing with the Mets. Mark Vientos has filled in as the everyday first baseman during Polanco’s absence, leaving the team with decisions to make upon his return.

In a poignant moment, Mendoza also paid tribute to John Sterling, who passed away on Monday. Having served as a coach for the Yankees from 2018 to 2023, Mendoza expressed his condolences and shared his fond memories of the iconic broadcaster. “I want to start by sending our thoughts and prayers to John Sterling’s family and friends. Obviously we lost a big one today. We are all in this baseball community and he was a part of what we do on a daily basis on and off the field,” he said. Reflecting on his personal connection, Mendoza added, “I still remember getting texts from him as recently as a few months ago. When I got the job here, he was one of the first phone calls that I received. I created a very good relationship with him and he will be missed.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.