In need of an additional starter for next Friday’s doubleheader in Washington, the Mets are considering journeyman Chris Schwinden, a club source told The Post yesterday.
Schwinden is scheduled to pitch Sunday for Triple-A Las Vegas, putting him on normal rest for the following Friday. The Mets are hesitant to promote highly regarded prospect Rafael Montero for the start because that would entail placing him on the 40-man roster.
Schwinden would need to be placed on the 40-man, but then could be designated for assignment after the game, clearing the spot for the Mets.
Scwhinden has made seven appearances for the Mets since 2011, going 0-3 with a 6.98 ERA. He is 4-8 with a 5.70 ERA in 19 appearances this season at Las Vegas.
Matt Harvey is expected to pitch the other half of next Friday’s doubleheader.
* If Travis d’Arnaud is cleared to begin playing games following a doctor’s appointment on Monday, he likely will play 7-10 days in Florida before rejoining Triple-A Las Vegas by Aug. 1, according to a club source.
It’s likely the Mets will keep d’Arnaud, who is recovering from a broken left foot, in Triple-A for most — if not all — of August.
The catcher, who was the centerpiece of the R.A. Dickey trade last December, has not played in a game since April, and the Mets want him to get at-bats in Las Vegas before elevating him to the majors.
* Justin Turner could be activated from the disabled list before tonight’s game to gave the Mets an extra infielder. The team is carrying 13 pitchers after activating reliever Scott Atchison last Sunday and optioning Jordany Valdespin to Las Vegas. David Wright is the team’s backup shortstop until Turner arrives.