Mets infielder Jed Lowrie, who has not played yet this season due to a variety of injuries, is starting a rehab assignment on Tuesday night with High-A St. Lucie, where he will serve as the DH.
"It's still a situation where it's gonna be day-to-day, obviously, but for him to get on the field and get his blood flowing in a big situation for him to this point is exciting," manager Mickey Callaway said. "I think we'll just see how he comes out of it and then make the schedule out the next day."
The 35-year-old Lowrie, who suffered a "low grade" right calf strain in July while rehabbing, has also dealt with knee and hamstring injuries to his left side this season.
GM Brodie Van Wagenen said on Aug. 14 that Lowrie was "running, hitting, and fielding ground balls," and had recently started facing live pitching during simulated games.
As far as Lowrie returning this season, Van Wagenen said "it's absolutely our hope and expectation that he can."
Lowrie and Brandon Nimmo are both working their way back, with Nimmo's rehab assignment moving to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday night.
There is a chance that the Mets will get Nimmo and Jeff McNeil (hamstring) back by this Saturday. If Lowrie returns shortly after, the Mets will have a very good problem on their hands when it comes to doling out playing time.
Lowrie signed a two-year deal with the Mets in January worth $20 million after hitting .267/.353/.448 with 23 homers in 157 games last season for the Athletics.