Back from the brink, healthy Hunter debuts
Tommy Hunter is a major league pitcher again.
With his first major league game in about 13 months — after he believed his career to be finished following intense back pain that led to surgery last summer, when he was diagnosed with multiple disk herniations — the 35-yearold completed a comeback to begin his 15th big-league season.
METS NOTES
“Felt good to be back. That’s why we play, and it was a long wait,” said Hunter, who said he feels “good. Healthy, finally.”
Hunter pitched 1 2/3 hitless innings in which he allowed an unearned run and struck out two. The line would have been perfect if not for Eduardo Escobar’s throw to first base pulling Pete Alonso off the bag, enabling a base runner that Joely Rodriguez allowed to score in the 6-2 loss to the Marlins at Citi Field on Sunday.
This was the first time Hunter had taken a major league mound since May 18 last year, after which his back hurt enough that he could not lift his baby son, Rowan.
His wife, Ellen, encouraged him to attempt a comeback so he could have a picture as a major leaguer with Rowan.
“We got one the other day,” Hunter said with a smile. “Check that off the book, and now let’s play.”
The Mets will have to shave one pitcher off their roster by noon Monday as MLB reverts to a 13-pitcher maximum per club. Possible victims include Adonis Medina and Yoan Lopez.
“We have to make some moves,” Showalter said. “You gotta keep an eye on the options because there’s a limit to the number of options [five] you have.”
David Peterson is the Mets’ scheduled starting pitcher against the Marlins on Monday, but his pregnant wife is expecting any day.
“Is Peterson’s wife going to go in labor before he starts?” Showalter openly wondered, when asked about his concerns about the club.
Unless the Mets recall a starter, Trevor Williams would be the most logical fill-in.
James McCann played his third rehab game with Double-A Binghamton, going 2-for-4 with a walk. He has had 14 plate appearances in three minor league games.
Showalter declined to reveal how many at-bats the starting catcher would need before making his return, though he said McCann said he felt better beginning Friday.