A.J. Minter has been out nearly 13 months following surgery on his left lat. Sarah Stier / Getty ImagesMay 26, 2026 2:29 pm EDT Updated NEW YORK — The ailing New York Mets are finally bringing some pieces back into the fold, activating A.J. Minter and Jared Young from the injured list before Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, according to league sources.As of this morning, reliever Jonathan Pintaro and outfielder Nick Morabito are expected to be the corresponding moves. With Minter coming off the 60-day injured list, the Mets’ 40-man roster is now full.Minter has been out nearly 13 months owing to surgery on his left lat muscle. The lefty set-up man has been dearly missed in that time, and his return could boost a Mets bullpen that has lacked a full supply of late-game options. That said, Minter’s velocity has been down during his two rehab stints — the first interrupted by hip discomfort — and he may have to work his way back into shape.
Young was the last man to make the team back on Opening Day, and he came out of the gates as an unexpected contributor. The left-handed hitter was 7-for-20 when he tore the meniscus in his left knee in mid-April. New York’s flailing offense, which has scored just six runs in the last five games, can use whatever help it can get at this point.There’s an immediate need for Young, too, with outfielder Tyrone Taylor injuring his hip on Monday and perhaps headed to the IL. That injury could change the team’s plan for Morabito. The Mets could simply place Taylor on the IL and activate Young, keeping Morabito in the majors.However, they could still option Morabito and wait to place Taylor on the IL. Why? One possibility is that the Mets want to maintain the flexibility to recall one of the pitchers they have recently sent down to back up Jonah Tong for Wednesday’s game. If the Mets go deep into their bullpen Tuesday, they could, for instance, bring back fellow starter Zach Thornton as insurance behind Tong for the series finale Wednesday.Because he was sent down over the weekend, Thornton (or relievers Joey Gerber and Daniel Duarte) can only be recalled if a player goes on the IL. If they don’t need one of those pitchers, they could always bring Morabito back on Wednesday if Taylor goes on the IL.May 26, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
