### Mets' A.J. Minter Faces Potential Season-Ending Surgery Due to Lat Strain The New York Mets are grappling with a significant setback as reliever A.J. Minter is facing a serious left lat strain that may require season-ending surgery. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Minter will miss considerable time, and the team is currently evaluating the best course of action for his recovery. Minter's injury occurred during a game against the Washington Nationals, where he left after pitching just one-third of an inning. This injury is particularly concerning as Minter had recently signed a two-year contract worth $22 million and was performing well prior to the injury, making this a major blow to the Mets' bullpen [https://www.reuters.com/sports/mets-lhp-aj-minter-lat-strain-considering-season-ending-surgery-2025-04-30, https://www.si.com/mlb/mets/news/mets-a-j-minter-could-require-season-ending-surgery-in-major-blow]. ### Breakdown of Minter's Injury Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Minter sustained a left lat strain during a game on April 26, 2025, against the Nationals, leading to his placement on the 15-day injured list [https://www.nj.com/mets/2025/04/season-ending-surgery-on-the-table-for-mets-reliever-with-lat-injury-sucks-for-him.html]. - The injury is described as "pretty significant" by manager Carlos Mendoza, indicating a longer recovery period than initially anticipated [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mets-j-minter-dealing-pretty-200819205.html]. 2. **Potential Outcomes**: - Minter is weighing options between rest and rehabilitation or undergoing surgery, which would end his season [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_lhp_aj_minter_lat_strain_considering_season_ending_surgery/s1_17044_42128133]. - The decision is pending as Minter seeks additional medical opinions regarding the severity of his injury [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_left_hander_could_require_season_ending_surgery/s1_13237_42127138]. 3. **Impact on the Team**: - Minter's absence is a significant loss for the Mets, as he has been a reliable setup man, capable of getting both left-handed and right-handed batters out effectively [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_lhp_aj_minter_lat_strain_considering_season_ending_surgery/s1_17044_42128133]. - The Mets will need to rely on other bullpen members to step up in his absence, which could affect their performance in high-leverage situations [https://www.si.com/mlb/mets/news/mets-a-j-minter-could-require-season-ending-surgery-in-major-blow]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Performance Metrics**: - Prior to his injury, Minter had pitched 11 innings, allowing only two runs on six hits and five walks, with 14 strikeouts, resulting in a **31.8% strikeout rate** [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_left_hander_could_require_season_ending_surgery/s1_13237_42127138]. - His performance included a **12.4% swinging-strike rate** and a **48% ground ball rate**, showcasing his effectiveness on the mound [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_left_hander_could_require_season_ending_surgery/s1_13237_42127138]. ### Conclusion: A Major Setback for the Mets In summary, the New York Mets are facing a critical situation with A.J. Minter's potential season-ending lat strain. 1. **Injury Overview**: Minter's injury is serious, and he is considering surgery, which would conclude his 2025 season [https://www.reuters.com/sports/mets-lhp-aj-minter-lat-strain-considering-season-ending-surgery-2025-04-30]. 2. **Team Impact**: His absence will challenge the Mets' bullpen depth and effectiveness in crucial game situations [https://www.si.com/mlb/mets/news/mets-a-j-minter-could-require-season-ending-surgery-in-major-blow]. 3. **Performance Context**: Minter was performing at a high level before the injury, making this a significant loss for the team [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mets_left_hander_could_require_season_ending_surgery/s1_13237_42127138]. The Mets will need to navigate this setback carefully as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the season ahead.