Mets' Joey Lucchesi: Close to facing hitters

Lucchesi (elbow) said Friday that he'll advance to facing hitters soon, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Lucchesi has spent the season recovering from Tommy John surgery that he underwent last year. He's with the Mets in Miami this weekend and is scheduled to throw his 10th bullpen session Saturday. The southpaw has been pleased with his progress so far and is hoping to return from the injured list in early or mid-August.