DETROIT -- A Mets team gutted by injuries could grow at least a bit healthier by the end of next week.
Infielder José Reyes is scheduled to play in a simulated game Monday at Port St. Lucie, Fla., and begin a rehab assignment the following day. Reyes, who is recovering from a strained left oblique muscle, is first eligible to come off the disabled list on Thursday; the Mets could activate him around that time.
Though Reyes was batting just .239 in 16 games at the time of his injury, he was 6-for-20 in his final four games. If nothing else, his presence alone will help the Mets, who have been mixing and matching Matt Reynolds, Wilmer Flores and Kelly Johnson on the left side of their infield. Manager Terry Collins said that with Asdrúbal Cabrera sidelined, Reyes will play mostly shortstop upon his return.
Cabrera, who is also on the DL with a strained patellar tendon in his left knee, is also in Port St. Lucie, but has not begun baseball activities.