Mark Vientos and Jesse Winker Set for Return

Mark Vientos is expected to be activated from the injured list on Friday, while Jesse Winker is also on track to return shortly afterward.

Winker, who has been sidelined with a diagnosed issue since early May, participated in batting practice prior to a 4-0 win against the Braves on Thursday.

Carlos Mendoza mentioned that the plan is for Winker to start minor league rehabilitation assignments, likely with Single A Brooklyn beginning this Sunday. “He looks like his usual self,” Mendoza noted after observing Winker’s batting practice session. “I won’t hesitate to let him resume his usual routine. He should be ready for some game action, probably starting Sunday in Brooklyn.”

Mendoza added that Winker will continue batting practice for the next couple of days before moving on to actual games.

The left-handed hitter has only had 67 at-bats this season, but his return gives Mendoza additional options for a designated hitter or a pinch-hitting role.

As for Vientos, who has been dealing with hamstring issues, he is anticipated to rejoin Pittsburgh’s active roster—the first time he will do so since his injury on June 2.

Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea was also set to throw a light catch on Thursday after being pulled from his rehabilitation assignment earlier this week due to elbow discomfort revealed by an MRI. He received a cortisone injection on Monday.

“If all goes according to plan, he’ll throw off the mound by the weekend and then continue progressing, with a goal of restarting his rehab early next week,” Mendoza commented.

The 33-year-old Manaea has yet to pitch this season after re-signing with the Mets on a three-year, $75 million deal. He encountered oblique issues during spring training that have persisted.

Before this recent setback, Manaea had made four minor league appearances—three with Brooklyn and one with Triple A Syracuse—during which he allowed eight earned runs over 12 innings.

On another note, first baseman Pete Alonso, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and outfielder Juan Soto have been nominated as finalists for the All-Star Game NL starter voting. Phase 2 of voting is set to begin on Monday at noon.