Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. WASHINGTON A.J. Minter felt tightne s in his left triceps a pitch or two before the one that forced him to depart the mound in Saturdays eighth inning. The reliever is headed for an MRI exam and will likely be placed on the injured list, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said after the Minter, who has pitched to a 1.64 ERA in 13 appearances this season, is the teams primary left-handed relief option. Im just glad it wasnt my elbow, Minter said. But we are looking probably at an IL stint just hopefully I can come back and get this thing fixed and continue to help the team. Among the po sibilities to replace Minter is Dedniel Nez, who has spent the first month of the season at Triple-A Syracuse after getting a late start in spring training. A.J. Minter throws during the eighth inning of the Mets 2-0 win over the Nationals on April 26, 2025. AP Explore More Danny Young, the second lefty in the Mets bullpen, has given the team a boost lately with seven appearances in his past eight in which he hasnt surrendered an earned run. Young struck out three batters in holding the Nationals scorele s in the sixth inning on Saturday. In need of a starting pitcher for the next home series or at least an arm to potentially Shay Whitcomb Jersey pitch behind an opener the Mets are leaning toward a journeyman within their organization. Brandon Waddell, a 30-year-old lefty, is the leading candidate to be inserted into the rotation for Wednesdays game against the Diamondbacks at Citi Field, according to sources. CHECK OUT THE AND The sixth starter is needed as the Mets look to keep Kodai Senga on extra rest during this stretch of 13 games without a scheduled day off. Waddells most recent major league appearance came with the Cardinals in 2021. This season he has pitched to a 1.54 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Syracuse. Brandon Waddell throws in the first inning of a Mets spring training game against the Astros this season. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST The Mets on their most recent road trip used Justin Hagenman as a sixth starter the right-hander pitched 3 / innings behind Huascar Brazobn, who was utilized as an opener against the Twins. Another potential candidate for Wednesdays pitching a signment, top prospect Brandon Sproat, is off to a seesaw start with Syracuse. The right-hander has pitched to a 5.79 ERA in five outings and struggled in his most recent start on Thursday. Team officials havent shown any inclination toward pushing Sproat to the big leagues. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Jeff McNeil started in center field for the third time in his career as Mendoza inserted Luisangel Acua into the lineup at second base. McNeil, who started twice in center in 2023, got reacquainted with the position during his minor league rehab a signment. Mendoza said he prefers to keep Brandon Nimmo in left field (at least for now) rather than move him to center field because of the knee discomfort that was an i sue for him during spring training. Yeuris Ramirez Jersey