Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen was on hand in Atlanta before the team's second game against the Braves on Wednesday to deliver some promising news about his injured players.

One of them was Brandon Nimmo, who has been out since May 20 as he's dealing with a bulging disc in his neck. Nimmo has been working hard to get back on the field, and Van Wagenen noted that day may be coming "very soon."

"Same story," Van Wagenen told reporters about where Nimmo is at in his rehab. "He took live at-bats today. He's been progressing well and we could see him in a rehab game very soon, as early as the next few days. But we'll keep a close eye on him and hopefully he can get back out there in the very near future."

The Post's Mike Puma reported last week that Nimmo is expected to begin a rehab assignment this week at some point, so Van Wagenen's comments do hold up that report.

The last time Nimmo started a rehab assignment was back in June, but it ended quickly once his neck issue came back. His rehab has taken some small setbacks, too, as other issues popped up.

Nimmo, who is currently on the 60-day IL following the acquisition of Brad Brach, was struggling before being shut down. He was hitting just .200 with three homers and 14 RBI over 43 games.

If Nimmo can return to the Mets before the season ends, it would add some much-needed depth and another lefty bat to Mickey Callaway's roster. What the Mets will do with their outfield will be the big question, but the Mets most likely won't throw Nimmo back into his normal starting role after being out this long.

Those questions, though, will be answered if Nimmo can return to full health. The Mets will be sure to keep a close eye on his rehab games -- whenever those finally come -- to see if he can be an option late in the season.

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