NEW YORK — The Mets are finally in line to have one of its key players return. Travis d'Arnaud is on schedule to return to the team at some point next week during its trip west to San Diego and Phoenix.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said d'Arnaud will play five innings in an extended spring training game Tuesday and believes he should continue his rehab schedule and reach Triple-A Las Vegas within 5-6 days.

A return to the Mets could happen during the first three games of next week in San Diego. Or, at the least, Alderson hopes he'll rejoin them in Phoenix during a four-game series there.

D'Arnaud has been out since April 19 with a fractured finger on his right hand. He was hitting .317 with an .892 OPS before getting hurt.

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Mike Vorkunov may be reached at mvorkunov@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Mike_Vorkunov. Find NJ.com Mets on Facebook.