The Mets’ new lefty reliever, signed to a two-year, $22 million contract with an opt-out after this season, faced hitters on Sunday for the first time since undergoing hip surgery in August. It came during a batting practice session at Clover Park as the Mets traveled to Fort Myers for their Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

In A.J. Minter’s estimation, the left-hander remains slightly ahead of schedule in his bid to be ready for Opening Day … which isn’t the same thing as saying he’ll definitely be there. At this point in Minter’s progression back from left hip surgery,

The Mets have been playing things safe with A.J. Minter thus far in camp, but the left-hander rook a big step on Sunday afternoon.