Mark Vientos is slated to be activated from the injured list Friday, and Jesse Winker should not be too far behind.
Winker, who has been out since early May with a right oblique strain, took batting practice before Thursday’s 4-0 win over the Braves.
Carlos Mendoza said the plan is for Winker to start a minor-league rehab assignment, probably for Single-A Brooklyn beginning Sunday.
“Good, he looks normal,” Mendoza said after watching Winker’s BP session. “No hesitation, just going through his normal routine, and again, conviction, he’s not favoring anything. So talking to him, he’s on schedule to start [playing games] on Sunday, most likely here in Brooklyn.”
Mendoza added that Winker will continue taking batting practice the next two days before progressing to game action.
The lefty-swinging Winker, who has been limited to 67 at-bats this season, would give Mendoza another option at designated hitter or for situational pinch-hitting duties.
Vientos (hamstring) is expected to return to the active roster Friday in Pittsburgh for the first time since he was injured June 2.
Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea was slated to play catch Thursday after he was shut down earlier in the week from his rehab assignment due to elbow discomfort that an MRI showed to be a loose body in the elbow.
He also received a cortisone injection Monday.
“If everything goes well, he’s scheduled to throw a bullpen by the weekend, and then, step-by-step, day-by-day, but hopefully he’s making that next rehab start early next week,” Mendoza said.
The 33-year-old Manaea hasn’t pitched yet this season after re-signing with the Mets on a three-year deal worth $75 million in free agency.
He suffered an oblique injury during spring training and later had a setback with the same issue.
Before this delay, Manaea had made four minor-league starts — three for Brooklyn and one for Triple-A Syracuse —, giving up eight earned runs in 12 combined innings.
First baseman Pete Alonso, shortstop Francisco Lindor and outfielder Juan Soto were named as finalists at their positions in the voting for the NL starters for the All-Star Game.
Phase 2 of the voting begins at noon Monday.
