Jesse Winker Injury: Nearing rehab assignment

Winker (oblique) is on track to begin a minor-league rehab assignment by this weekend, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets shifted Winker from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL earlier Tuesday, but he's nearly ready to play in games and will initially serve as a designated hitter during his rehab assignment. He is eligible for activation July 4 and should be ready to go at that time, barring any setbacks. Once reinstated, Winker could settle back into a strong-side platoon role for the Mets.