#Brandon Nimmo’s Mets rehab put on hold after finger discomfort

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Brandon Nimmo was searching for answers Friday after still feeling discomfort in his left index finger.

That discomfort occurred a night earlier, according to manager Luis Rojas, during Nimmo’s final plate appearance in a minor league rehab game for Triple-A Syracuse.

The outfielder was to receive further testing and his rehab put on hold. Rojas said Nimmo had asked to face live pitching to test the finger. He was diagnosed with a bone bruise two weeks ago, a day after he was jammed by a pitch in Philadelphia and was placed on the injured list on May 3.

Kevin Pillar remained in center field for the Mets.

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J.D. Davis might come off the IL as soon as Saturday. Davis tested his left hand against a high velocity machine, according to Rojas, but the Mets want to see how he responds a day later.

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Rojas didn’t officially name a starter for Saturday’s game, but said Joey Lucchesi was a possibility, perhaps with an opener ahead of him. Last Saturday, the Mets utilized Tommy Hunter as the opener for two innings against the Diamondbacks before Lucchesi pitched the next 3 ¹/₃ frames. Hunter and Miguel Castro have both been used in the opener role.

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Jacob deGrom is still playing catch on flat ground, but Rojas said it’s yet to be determined when the right-hander will throw a bullpen session.

DeGrom, who is on the IL with right side tightness, would be eligible to return for Friday’s game in Miami.

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Jeff McNeil (1-for-4) returned to the lineup as the DH in the Mets’ 3-2 loss to the Rays. He missed most of the previous two games with body cramps. With the Rays starting lefty Shane McClanahan on Saturday, Rojas said he will consider Pete Alonso and James McCann (1-for-4) for the DH role, as well as Davis if he’s activated.

Alonso (0-for-4, four strikeouts) before the game was asked about his decision to quit using social media platforms, which began in spring training.

“It’s fantastic,” Alonso said. “It’s none of my business what other people say about me. I’m happy living my life and concentrated and focused on what I need to do every day and the people that I work with, including [the media], I want to treat people with respect and be the best person I can be, be a pro, and that’s it That is all I can do.”