One catcher returned to the Mets this week and they could have another back in the coming days.
James McCann has been catching bullpen sessions in recent days and on Saturday he simulated four innings behind the plate. McCann has been sidelined since Aug. 17 because of back spasms.
“The reasons for [the spasms], we could sit here and guess,” McCann said before the Mets faced the Nationals at Citi Field. “Sunday night baseball, then a cross-country flight, August, my hips being a little off that day and not realizing it and my back trying to protect my spine and that led to spasms.”
Manager Luis Rojas said McCann is expected to return “soon.” On Friday, Tomas Nido came back from a stint on the injured list for a sprained left thumb.
Rojas deployed a right-handed-heavy lineup against Nationals lefty Sean Nolin on Saturday. That included Jonathan Villar in the leadoff spot, with Brandon Nimmo dropped to second in the batting order.
“[Villar] has done really well against lefties this year and he’s swinging a good bat,” Rojas said. “Nimmo has been our leadoff all season, but we’re looking to connect at this point. We’ve got to score runs.”
Noah Syndergaard is scheduled to pitch Sunday for Single-A Brooklyn in his second minor league rehab appearance. It’s expected Syndergaard — who has said he is limited to throwing a fastball and changeup this season in his return from Tommy John surgery — will pitch beyond one inning. The Mets view him as a potential September bullpen option.
Jose Peraza is participating in full baseball activities and according to Rojas should return “soon.” Peraza was placed on the IL on July 20 with a fractured right middle finger.
Jose Martinez, who has been rehabbing with Triple-A Syracuse, recently hyperextended his left arm on a swing, according to Rojas, and will be examined in New York. Rojas indicated Martinez’s discomfort was in his shoulder. The veteran first baseman/outfielder has been on the injured list since spring training, when he tore the meniscus in his left knee and underwent subsequent surgery.
The Mets entered play with a season-high, seven-game losing streak at home. It was the team’s longest losing streak at Citi Field since May 22 to June 9, 2018, when the Mets lost 10 straight.