Mets infielder T.J. Rivera will make his return from Tommy John surgery on Thursday night when he serves as the designated hitter for High-A St. Lucie.
Rivera had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last September after initially trying to rehab the injury. He was previously aiming to return by May, but that was pushed back.
The 29-year-old Rivera played in 73 games for the Mets last season and played second base, first base, third base, and left field. He hit 290/.330/.430 with five HR, 13 doubles, and 27 RBI.
There have been trade rumors surrounding Wilmer Flores, and if Flores is dealt, Rivera could be the perfect replacement.
Flores (who doesn't want to go anywhere) is under team control through 2019, with Rivera under team control through 2022.