Brooks Raley takes key step toward Mets return with timeline taking shape

LOS ANGELES — The Mets are looking toward the All-Star break for a key left-handed reliever’s possible return.

Brooks Raley, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, has begun facing hitters in live batting practice, according to manager Carlos Mendoza.

The Mets are hopeful that Raley will be in position to begin a minor league rehab assignment late this month.

Raley, 36, returned to the Mets in April on a one-year contract worth $1.5 million that contains a club option for 2026.

Raley’s surgery for ligament damage and bone spurs in his left elbow occurred last May.

The Mets this year have lost two lefty relievers — A.J. Minter and Danny Young — to season-ending surgery.

Jose Castillo, who was acquired last month after he was designated for assignment by Arizona, is the only remaining lefty reliever on the 26-man roster.

Raley had a strong season for the Mets in 2023, when he pitched to a 2.80 ERA in 66 appearances.

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Raley appeared in only eight games for the club last season (he didn’t surrender an earned run) before he was sidelined with elbow discomfort.

That Raley is a reliever will considerably shorten his rehab stint once he progresses to pitching in minor league games.

But Raley, as is the protocol for a pitcher returning from Tommy John surgery, will need 10-12 sessions facing hitters in live batting practice before he’s considered for that next step.

Raley has thrown five such sessions.

Even so, team brass views the All-Star break as a realistic possibility for Raley.

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Sean Manaea threw 29 pitches in a live batting practice session, after which Mendoza didn’t rule out the possibility the left-hander’s next step would be a minor league rehab assignment.

Manaea is rehabbing from an oblique strain that has kept him sidelined since spring training.

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Mendoza offered his thoughts pregame on the Mets returning to Dodger Stadium for the first time since their loss in Game 6 of the NLCS last October.

“It’s a different feeling, walking in this place and knowing this is where your season ended,” Mendoza said. “It’s kind of like a sour taste, but also understanding that after everything we went through as a team, when nobody thought anything about this team and we ended up facing the team that ended up winning the World Series.

“It’s a different feeling this year, understanding that they are really good again and we’re also good. I think it’s mixed feelings coming here, but we’re not trying to look back.”