Christian Scott continues to make progress.
The rookie Mets right-hander took another step in his rehab for a right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprain over the weekend, throwing all of his pitches off the slope of a mound.
That marked progress from Thursday, when Scott threw only his fastball and changeup during his first time back on the slope.
“It’s just building back up, really,” Scott told the Daily News on Monday. “We’re not going to know a whole lot until I raise that floor with the pitches. I’m throwing 70-75 percent of what I can.”
Scott said he threw his slider at 80-81 mph during his latest slope session, which is slower than his normal 85-87 mph velocity for the pitch.
Monday marked a no-throw day for Scott, who said he expected a light day of work Tuesday.
“If everything continues to trend in that direction, he should be throwing bullpens here [soon], but it’s day to day,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We don’t want to push it too quick.”
Scott, 25, made his MLB debut in May and pitched to a 4.56 ERA over nine starts.
Out since July 23 with the elbow issue, Scott still hopes to return this year. With less than a month remaining on the regular-season schedule, Scott could become an option out of the bullpen if he is able to ramp up in time.
“I’m up for really whatever helps this team win games at the end of the day,” Scott said. “They’re making a run, and I’ll hopefully be a part of that. I’ve learned more than I could possibly hope to learn from these guys this year, so I’m just super grateful for the opportunity.”
Scott dealt with a similar injury last year as a minor leaguer. He said his elbow feels “good” right now.
“There’s going to be times where it’s a little bit sore after a heavy day or it’s going to feel really, really good after a light day, so just take each time with a grain of salt,” Scott said.
“I’m just going to go out there and continue to throw, continue to pitch. If the worst-case scenario is the worst-case scenario, then it happens, right? But at the same time, I’m going to go out there and continue at the best of my ability. I feel good and confident in where I’m at right now.”
J.D. ON PATERNITY LIST
The Mets began their six-game homestand Monday without one of their biggest bats, as they placed J.D. Martinez on the paternity list.
With the designated hitter set to miss as many as three games, the Mets called up D.J. Stewart from Triple-A Syracuse.
Martinez, 36, is hitting .252 with 16 home runs and 65 RBI through 105 games.
Stewart, meanwhile, hit .172 with five home runs and 19 RBI in 71 games before being sent down in late July following the Mets’ trade for Jesse Winker.
The lefty-swinging Stewart was in the Mets’ lineup for Monday’s series opener against the Red Sox, batting eighth and playing left field.