Mets sent LHP A.J. Minter (lat) on a rehab assignment to Single-A St. Lucie.

The comeback begins for the 32-year-old left-hander. Minter was widely expected to be available in late April or early May, and beginning this assignment now seems to align well with that timetable. Once back he’ll push Brooks Raley for No. 1 lefty duties in New York’s pen.