TORONTO — Noah Syndergaard is scheduled to pitch Sunday at Single-A Brooklyn in his first minor-league rehab start since hitting the disabled list on May 29 with a strained ligament in his right index finger.
Syndergaard, who pitched a simulated game this week in Port St. Lucie, could return to the Mets’ rotation the final weekend before the All-Star break.
Jason Vargas (calf) is expected to pitch another simulated game before he is considered for a rehab start, making him unlikely to return until after the All-Star break.
Zack Wheeler will be pushed back a day in the rotation so he can pitch as part of Monday’s doubleheader against the Phillies. The Mets will have to promote two starting pitchers from the minor leagues, and manager Mickey Callaway didn’t want a newcomer paired with another newcomer or rookie Corey Oswalt in the doubleheader, potentially draining the bullpen. So the call-up will pitch Sunday against the Rays.
Yoenis Cespedes, who started a running program earlier in the week, had a scheduled treatment day in Port St. Lucie and is expected to increase his workload on Thursday to include outfield work.


