Just under seven weeks remain on the regular season schedule. Some injury and transaction news to monitor 1. Does Diaz have time to return? Mets closer , who suffered a torn patellar tendon during the World Baseball Cla sic, has been throwing off the base of the mound and is about a week out from his next wave of tests, . He could be cleared for full mound work early next week, which at least creates the po sibility that hed return to the mound before seasons end. The Mets wont rush him but will allow him to take the hill if hes up to full strength, despite the fact that 2023 has become a lost season. Tyler Herro Jersey Diaz alone couldnt have salvaged the 2023 campaign, but losing him for the majority (if not all) of the season was still crushing news back in March. The 29-year-old Diaz signed the largest contract for any relief pitcher in history this winter (five years, $102MM with two opt-out opportunities) after pitching to a 1.31 ERA with a staggering 50.2% strikeout rate in 62 innings last year. 2. Albies exits with hamstring i sue: Braves second baseman exited last nights game after experiencing cramping in his left hamstring, per the team. The Braves dubbed the move precautionary in nature and figure to have an update on Albies status today. It doesnt sound particularly concerning at the moment, but Albies has been one of the key cogs in a juggernaut Atlanta lineup this year, batting .267/.327/.514 with 28 home runs, 21 doubles, four triples and an 11-for-11 showing in stolen bases. Given Albies importance to the lineup and the Braves ma sive 11-game lead in the NL East, its understandable to see the team play things safe. If Albies requires a few days off or even a trip to the 10-day IL, the Braves would likely turn to deadline acquisition , who replaced Albies in last nights game and would provide standout glovework at the position in his stead. 3. Recent DFAs back on the market? A handful of veterans have been designated for a signment over the past few days, any of whom could be of interest to contending clubs seeking depth ahead of the Sept. 1 deadline for postseason eligibility. Tigers lefty is on release waivers, for instance, and could bulk up a teams left-handed depth in the bullpen. His 4.79 ERA isnt much to look at, but the 33-year-old Shreve has a solid 23.3% strikeout rate, a terrific 6.7% walk rate and an above-average 46.8% ground-ball rate in 41 1/3 innings. Catcher hasnt yet pa sed through waivers after being designated for a signment by the Diamondbacks, but his $4.275MM salary should make him a good bet to clear. He has enough service to reject an outright a signment and retain the remainder of that salary. Kelly hasnt hit well in 92 plate appearances this year, but hes a career .257/.346/.471 hitter against lefties, and he has roughly average framing marks with plus blocking grades from Statcast in his career. Orioles righty has mi sed the bulk of the season due to knee and shoulder injuries, and Baltimore designated him yesterday. His $5MM salary should allow him to clear, at which point the veteran will surely become a free agent. He pitched to a 6.60 ERA in 15 rehab frames and has allowed five runs in his four MLB innings this year, but Givens has a lengthy track record and would be available on a minor league deal. Once he clears waivers and is released, a new team would only owe him the prorated league minimum for any MLB time. Itll also be worth keeping an eye on Red Sox righty , who cleared waivers and was a signed outright to Triple-A. Like Kelly and Givens, Lamet has enough service time to reject that outright a signment and retain his entire salary, if he chooses. Max Strus Jersey