NEW YORK -- The Mets lost one player to the injured list on Tuesday but welcomed two others back from it, sending outfielder Tyrone Taylor to the IL while activating utilityman Jared Young and left-hander A.J. Minter.
Taylor, who injured his right hip in Monday’s 7-2 loss to the Reds, is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a flexor strain. He was batting .186 with three home runs, 14 RBIs and a .530 OPS prior to his injury.
“I think we got relatively good news, especially after what he was expressing after the game [Monday],” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Kind of expecting the worst, to be honest with you. When we just had the news here, it’s kind of like week-by-week. Hopefully it’s two to three.”
To replace Taylor on the active roster, the Mets recalled infielder Eric Wagaman, who gives the team another right-handed bat off the bench. In separate roster moves, the Mets also optioned rookie outfielder and the club's No. 11 prospect, Nick Morabito, and right-hander Jonathan Pintaro to Triple-A Syracuse.
Those moves cleared space for Minter and Young, who should both play significant roles over the coming weeks. Minter, 32, hasn’t pitched in the Majors since tearing his left lat muscle in a game last April. The Mets brought Minter along slowly this spring, then he suffered a mild setback on his rehab. But Minter subsequently checked every box he needed to in the Minors and should become a key part of New York’s bullpen.
From 2020-24 with the Braves, Minter was one of the league’s top lefties, producing a 2.85 ERA over 267 appearances. He gives Mendoza a second left-handed option to pair with Brooks Raley.
“This is a guy that’s used to pitching in high leverage, getting lefties, righties,” Mendoza said. “I’d be comfortable with him throwing the eighth inning in a one-run game. I’d be comfortable with him getting the last three outs if we need to. … I’m glad he’s back on the active roster, because we need him.”
Young, 30, had played his way into a significant role before tearing the meniscus in his left knee in an early April game. He slotted right back into the starting lineup in his first game back, playing first base and batting fifth. Young can also man a corner outfield spot if necessary.
“He’s feeling good, 100 percent with the knee,” Mendoza said.