Edwin Diaz reached another benchmark in his rehab on Wednesday when he threw from a bullpen mound for the first time since spring training.
It’s evident to Mets manager Buck Showalter that the question is “when and not if” the All-Star closer will pitch again.
Showalter clarified, however, that he wasn’t necessarily referring to this season in issuing that comment before the Mets beat the Pirates 8-3 at Citi Field.
Diaz, who tore the patellar tendon in his right knee during an on-field celebration at the World Baseball Classic and subsequently had surgery, was initially declared as likely out for the season by the Mets.
But the right-hander has progressed more quickly in his rehab than perhaps was anticipated.
“He’s used his time wisely,” Showalter said. “He’s worked on other things. I’m not going to sit here and tell you I know how exactly how it’s going to be and what he’s going to do, but he has done his part. He’s been a guy that has shown up for everything we have asked and then some.”
Showalter said there would be a benefit to Diaz pitching again for the Mets before spring training next year, but stopped short of predicting that would happen.
“Let’s take the information and see how he looks and how the strength grades — they do it every day with him, ‘Is this knee as strong as the other one or is there an imbalance,’ ” Showalter said. “If there is an imbalance and then you start going too fast you are going to affect something else.
“The bottom line is his health. If he’s healthy enough to do it and it’s in his best interest and it’s best for the Mets, then [general manager] Billy [Eppler] and the medical staff will deem it. We’re not there yet. I hope we have that decision to make.”
Mark Vientos underwent an MRI exam on his left wrist that was negative, but showed inflammation, after he departed the game Tuesday with discomfort following a swing. Jonathan Arauz started at third base on Wednesday and went 0-for-3 with a walk.
The Mets will receive their final look at franchise nemesis Adam Wainwright on Thursday in St. Louis. The 41-year-old Wainwright, who is set to retire after the season, will bring an 8.78 ERA in 2023 into his start for the Cardinals. The right-hander’s history with the Mets dates to 2006, when he struck out Carlos Beltran with the bases loaded for the final out in Game 7 of the NLCS.
The rescheduled Battle of the Badges charity baseball game will be held on Thursday at 7:10 p.m. at Citi Field. Gates will open at 5:30. Former Mets captain David Wright is serving as the honorary commissioner and is scheduled to attend the event between local police officers and firefighters.
RHP Dennis Santana was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse and RHP Jose Butto was optioned. RHP Edwin Uceta was designated for assignment to clear space for Santana on the 40-man roster.