New York Mets ace Justin Verlander to Move Rehab to Florida, Rehab Start Expected

Mets ace Justin Verlander's rehab will move to Port St. Lucie. He is expected to make a rehab start before rejoining the team.

NEW YORK - He's making positive progress.

According to Mets manager Buck Showalter, there is "nothing negative" to report on Justin Verlander's rehab. 

Verlander, who is making his way back from a low-grade teres major strain, has been playing catch off flat ground. He did so again on Tuesday at Citi Field.

However, Verlander has yet to throw off a mound, which will likely be his next big step.

Although Verlander is eligible to come off the IL on Wednesday, Showalter does not expect him to join the team on their west coast trip later this week.

Instead, Verlander will head down to the Mets' Spring Training facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla. to continue his rehab. 

Showalter expects Verlander to pitch in a minor league rehab game, but plans could change.

Verlander has been on the IL since Opening Day. He recently said it was "very reasonable" to expect him to return before the end of April.

While Verlander isn't ready to come off the IL yet, reliever Tommy Hunter is hopeful that he can return when he is eligible on April 19 against the Dodgers.

Hunter threw a live batting practice session on Tuesday at Citi Field and felt really good after throwing 40 pitches. 

Hunter was placed on the IL with back spasms last Tuesday in Milwaukee. 

The veteran hurler has dealt with numerous back issues in the past. He was placed on the shelf a day after throwing 44 pitches across two innings. Hunter has a 11.25 ERA in two appearances this season.

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