NEW YORK — Sean Manaea was all smiles Wednesday as he casually tossed a ball around the outfield just hours before the Mets took on the White Sox. On Thursday, he’s set to make a big recovery milestone by throwing live batting practice for the first time in three months.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that Manaea, sidelined since spring training with a right oblique strain, is expected to throw 20 to 25 pitches at Citi Field during batting practice.
Also joining the session will be center fielder Jose Siri, who’s rehabbing a broken leg, along with several players from the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones.
Before the game, Manaea shared a quick, informal catch with a Mets staff member before returning to the dugout. After Thursday’s live BP, he’ll start a rehab assignment and is likely to make his season debut in late June. The 33-year-old signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Mets in the offseason but hasn’t pitched yet this year.
Manager Mendoza also mentioned right-hander Frankie Montas, recovering from a high-grade lat strain, will make his second rehab start with the Cyclones on Thursday. Montas joined the Mets in December on a two-year, $34 million deal but hasn’t pitched for them due to injuries.
Righty Paul Blackburn, who missed his Tuesday rehab start because of rain, pitched Wednesday and is expected back with the Mets soon. Mendoza indicated Blackburn might fill a sixth starter role during a 10-game stretch starting Friday, making his comeback timing important.
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