NEW YORK — Sean Manaea was all smiles as he casually tossed a ball around the outfield Wednesday, just hours before the Mets faced the White Sox. On Thursday, he’ll take a big step in his recovery by throwing live batting practice for the first time in three months.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared that Manaea, who has been out since spring training due to a right oblique strain, is expected to throw between 20 and 25 pitches at Citi Field during batting practice.
Meanwhile, center fielder Jose Siri, who is rehabbing from a broken leg, will join the batting practice session, along with some players from the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones.
During pregame warm-ups, Manaea had a brief, informal catch with a Mets staffer before heading back to the dugout. After his live BP session, he will begin a rehab assignment and is likely to make his season debut toward the end of June. The 33-year-old signed a three-year, $75 million deal with the Mets in the offseason but hasn’t pitched yet this year.
Manager Mendoza also noted that right-hander Frankie Montas, dealing with a high-grade lat strain, will make his second rehab start with the Cyclones on Thursday. Montas signed with the Mets in December on a two-year, $34 million contract but has yet to pitch for them due to injuries.
Righty Paul Blackburn, who missed his scheduled Tuesday rehab start because of rain, pitched Wednesday and is expected to rejoin the Mets soon. Mendoza mentioned Blackburn could be used as a sixth starter during a 10-game stretch starting Friday, making his return timing crucial.
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