A.J. Minter ‘felt like I let the team down’ with his Mets injury — and he’s ready to change that

PORT ST. LUCIE — A.J. Minter departed the mound at Nationals Park last April 26 knowing something was wrong, but also fairly certain he hadn’t injured himself too badly.

Even after the adrenaline subsided in the clubhouse and the initial burst of pain kicked in, the Mets reliever was thinking in terms of when he might be returning to the mound.

“I didn’t think it was going to be a season-ending injury,” Minter said this week.

Minter had completely torn a lat muscle from the bone and needed surgery.

His season was finished after only 13 appearances with his new team following his arrival on a two-year contract worth $22 million.

And so, for a second straight spring training the veteran lefty is rehabbing.

Last year it was the labrum in his hip, following surgery in 2024 with the Braves.

Minter, 32, has also undergone Tommy John and thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in his career.

A.J. Minter throws during the Mets’ Feb. 10 spring training session. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

“But this by far has been the easiest rehab process,” Minter said. “I’ve had it all, but this has been about getting the shoulder strong again.”

Minter threw a third live batting practice session this spring Friday.

He’s hopeful of maybe pitching in a Grapefruit League game before the Mets break camp, but regardless won’t pitch for the team for at least the season’s first month.

It’s a potential May addition to which manager Carlos Mendoza can look forward after the team struggled to compensate for Minter’s absence last season.

Brooks Raley, who returned at midseason following Tommy John surgery rehab, bolstered the lefty relief in the second half, but for two months the Mets shuffled a group that included Genesis Cabrera, Jose Castillo and Richard Lovelady before acquiring Gregory Soto from Baltimore before the trade deadline. Soto pitched to underwhelming results and wasn’t re-signed.

“Some of the guys that were there did their part, but [Minter’s absence] was a big blow for us,” Mendoza said. “We felt it while Minter was down.”

A.J. Minter throws a pitch during the Mets’ April 2025 game. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

The Mets fell one victory short of the playoffs, a fact that torments Minter, who wonders if he could have provided a needed boost.

“I felt like I let the team down,” Minter said. “I knew they were counting on me, and it was definitely hard to watch them. I stayed in New York all year and just wanted to be around the guys, new team, new organization, just continue to build that bond with everyone. I felt it was my job to come in and help this team win, so when you can’t do that it’s frustrating.

“But I worked super hard this offseason and my goal is to come in here and continue to do the same. I can’t help the team if I am hurt, so the first job is just to feel healthy and stay healthy.”

Minter said his fastball is topping out in the 92-93 mph range, slightly below where he wants it.

But he also recognizes where he is in the calendar compared to his teammates.

“Of course, I want to throw harder than that, but I would say I’m a month behind everyone,” Minter said. “If you told me I was throwing 92-93, showing up to spring training … I’m competitive, I want the velocity, but I think we’re in a good spot.”

Raley has returned to give the Mets one dependable lefty reliever.

Beyond that it’s unclear if the team will carry a secondary option to begin the season.

The primary candidate for that spot is Bryan Hudson, who was acquired in a trade with the White Sox for cash considerations just before the start of camp.

“I wouldn’t put it as we’re looking for a second lefty,” Mendoza said, noting that both Devin Williams and Luke Weaver have strong crossover numbers. “I think it’s whatever we feel is going to be best by the time we break camp here.”