BREAKING: Mets’ A.J. Minter slightly ahead of schedule in slow return from hip surgery

PORT ST. LUCIE — A.J. Minter is still taking a conservative approach in his buildup this spring, but has not lost faith in the possibility of making the Opening Day roster.

The lefty reliever, who arrived on a two-year contract worth $22 million, continues to throw bullpen sessions in camp, but is behind most of the other pitchers as somebody who is yet to face hitters in live batting practice.

Minter is rehabbing from left hip surgery last summer.

“The training staff has been excellent, and it’s their job to kind of tell me no because I am not very good at saying no,” Minter said.

Minter, at just over six months since his surgery, said he is slightly ahead of where he anticipated for late February.

“That’s where we have to be smart and not push because I am feeling good,” Minter said, adding that he was initially given a return schedule of seven to nine months.

Mets’ A.J. Minter slightly ahead of schedule in slow return from hip surgery — A.J. Minter throws a pitch during a Mets’ spring training practice earlier this month. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Manager Carlos Mendoza has indicated he would like to get Minter into five or six games this spring.

For now, Minter has sights on throwing “a handful” of additional bullpens before considering when he might advance to facing hitters in live batting practice.

Brandon Waddell is one of the depth pieces the Mets brought in this offseason as a potential option for the rotation. Injuries to Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea have only opened the door wider for Waddell.

He pitched in a game for the first time in America since 2022, during the 8-5 loss to the Astros on Tuesday, tossing 1 ¹/₃ innings while giving up two unearned runs, two hits and a walk.

Waddell, 30, pitched in Korea and China the past three years before signing a minor league deal with the Mets this offseason. He last pitched in MLB in 2021, with the Cardinals, and spent time in their spring training the following year.

“It’s different [pitching in America], for sure” Waddell said Tuesday. “But it’s definitely nice to be back. It’s a whole different experience overseas. Just a good part of my career. … I really enjoyed my time over there.”

Kodai Senga will throw a few more live batting practices before starting a Grapefruit League game, Mendoza said.

He is set to throw a live BP on Wednesday. He pitched just 10 ¹/₃ innings all of last year due to shoulder and calf injuries.