NEW YORK — Justin Verlander allowed two hits over 4 2/3 scoreless innings in his first mound appearance in more than a month, pitching Friday for the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
The 40-year-old right-hander struck out six and walked one for the Mets' farm team against Cleveland's Akron RubberDucks, throwing 52 of 69 pitches for strikes in a 6-1 win.
"Felt good physically," Mets manager Buck Showalter said before Friday's game against Atlanta. "It was good, get him close to 70 and we'll see where we go from there, see how recovers tomorrow, but so far so good.