While his exact timeline for a return isn't yet known, Mets RHP Marcus Stroman is scheduled to face hitters Friday for the first time since injuring his calf, GM Brodie Van Wagenen said Thursday during a Zoom call with reporters.

"I think as Luis (Rojas) has said, he's been able to continue his throwing program and tomorrow he'll take the next step of facing hitters. And then we'll see how he responds from that," Van Wagenen said.

Stroman explained last week that he would probably still be pitching if not for the precautionary MRI that revealed the calf tear, noting that once he's able to sprint off the mound and field his position, he'll be ready to return.

After facing live hitters, one of the logical next steps would be for Stroman to test the calf while fielding his position.

"Marcus is an explosive athlete. He plays with high, high energy. ... The only way he knows how to play is full throttle," Van Wagenen explained. "We need to make sure that when he does show that burst, that we're not risking re-injury that will keep him out for a longer period of time. So far, so good. The rehab has gone well. Each day that he's able to continue forward, we'll have a better understanding of what his timeline is.

"So far, being able to keep his arm-care going and being able to go on with his pitch counts and his throwing program gives us more confidence that we can shorten up the timeline for the calf."

With Stroman out, 24-year-old prospect David Peterson made his big league debut on Tuesday night against the Red Sox, allowing two runs in 5.2 innings.

The plan, per Rojas is for Peterson to be the team's No. 5 starter for the time being with Stroman still out.

If Peterson is performing well and the rest of the Mets rotation is healthy when Stroman returns, the Mets could potentially have a decision on their hands regarding who remains in the rotation between Peterson and Rick Porcello, who struggled badly in his debut in the third game of the season.

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