Todd Frazier is still taking it slow.
Though the veteran third baseman was eligible for removal from the disabled list Friday, he is still nursing a strained left hamstring and said he will not return to the Mets without playing at least one minor league rehab game.
But Frazier was still unsure Friday when that might occur.
“It’s not something that once he feels better he’s going to be ready to go, so we will lean on him to see if he feels he needs a few at-bats,” manager Mickey Callaway said before the Mets beat the Diamondbacks, 3-1, on Friday. “My guess is Todd Frazier would play today if we allow him to, so I am sure he is going to be pushing to come up and start contributing.”
Wilmer Flores, Jose Reyes and Luis Guillorme have seen action at third base in Frazier’s absence, with Flores getting the start and going 1-for-3 with an RBI on Friday.
Kevin Plawecki is “progressing nicely” in his rehab from a broken left hand, according to Callaway, but has not yet begun a minor league rehab assignment.
“He is swinging the bat, when he makes contact at this point, he feels great,” Callaway said. “Every now and again [when] he swings and misses he feels a little bit of pain, but it’s nothing that keeps him from progressing, so he is getting closer.”
Plawecki has been on the disabled list since April 13.
With the Mets in a stretch of 18 straight games without an off day, general manager Sandy Alderson said it’s possible the team would initially carry 13 pitchers instead of adding another outfielder.
After Juan Lagares was placed on the disabled list Friday, the Mets were left with Phillip Evans and Flores as backup outfield options. Though Jerry Blevins returned from paternity leave, the Mets kept lefty Buddy Baumann on the roster to take Lagares’ roster spot.
Jason Vargas is scheduled to pitch Monday against the Marlins at Citi Field, after previously getting skipped in the rotation — the lefty instead threw a simulated game. Zack Wheeler will pitch Tuesday. Jacob deGrom will pitch Wednesday in the series finale against Miami.
Adrian Gonzalez is 14-for-41 (.341) with three homers and eight RBIs over his past 12 games, dating to April 29. Gonzalez has been sharing time at first base with Flores. Jay Bruce has started one game at first base.