Injured third baseman Rivera expected back in lineup soon

The 51s might be getting third baseman T.J. Rivera back sooner than expected.

Rivera, an integral piece of the team’s lineup, ran at 50 percent on the field before Sunday’s game at Salt Lake.

“He was just a little sore but he’s going to hit tomorrow,” manager Wally Backman said.

Rivera pulled his right hamstring on June 14 legging out a single against Reno.

Backman thought Rivera might miss two weeks at the time of his injury, but now he thinks Rivera, who was hitting .363 with 52 RBIs when he went down, could be back sooner, though they don’t have a set day for his return.

“T.J.’s actually further ahead than I thought he would be,” Backman said.

Meanwhile, first baseman Marc Krauss, who also hasn’t played in a game since June 14 is expected to hit Monday, too.

Krauss has been dealing with back stiffness.

HUCHINGSON BACK

Chase Huchingson pitched in three outings in April before going down with a sore elbow.

He spent time rehabbing in Port St. Lucie, Florida, but now he’s back, healthy and should be activated Monday.

Huchingson pitched just five innings this season before his injury, but last year, he was 0-0 with a 3.34 ERA in 29 2/3 innings pitched with Las Vegas.

“He can be used situationally and he can be used as a middle guy, too,” Backman said. “I used him situationally last year I think mostly, but I think he’s pitched up to three innings before, too.”

The 51s have been playing with a 24-man roster so they would not need to make a corresponding move when Huchingson is activated.

D’ARNAUD HEADED UP

Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud played in third rehab game with the 51s on Sunday and is expected to head back to New York to be activated on Tuesday.

D’Arnaud is the everyday starter, which means the Mets could send back either Kevin Plawecki or Rene Rivera.

Neither has hit above .200 in the majors this season, but Rivera is a very good defensive catcher, which could help him retain the roster spot in New York.

Betsy Helfand can be reached at bhelfand@reviewjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @BetsyHelfand