DENVER — Carlos Beltran might not be the only prominent Met to make an unexpected comeback this season.

Assistant GM John Ricco said John Maine, sidelined since June 7 by shoulder soreness, is throwing batting practice in Port St. Lucie and moving toward a minor-league rehab assignment. The result of that is Maine could pitch again in the majors this season.

“He’s been improving, and we’re happy with that,” Ricco said today.