NEW YORK -- The Mets announced that outfielder Michael Conforto, who has missed the first few games of 2018 as he recovers from offseason surgery on his left shoulder, is traveling to New York on Sunday from Port St. Lucie, Fla.Conforto could return from the disabled list as soon as

NEW YORK -- The Mets announced that outfielder Michael Conforto , who has missed the first few games of 2018 as he recovers from offseason surgery on his left shoulder, is traveling to New York on Sunday from Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Conforto could return from the disabled list as soon as Thursday, general manager Sandy Alderson said last week.

Alderson said the Mets would decide early this week whether Conforto would need a rehab assignment before joining the big league club.

Nimmo out with the flu

Brandon Nimmo was out of the Mets' lineup with flu-like symptoms Sunday for the team's 5-1 loss to the Cardinals at Citi Field. That meant a second straight start in center field for Juan Lagares .

Nimmo was up all night feeling sick, according to manager Mickey Callaway. Nimmo continued to feel sick during Sunday's game and was sent home.

Swarzak to get MRI

Right-hander Anthony Swarzak will undergo an MRI Monday on his sore left oblique. Swarzak was re-examined Sunday but did not have an update on his status. He said the soreness has improved but the MRI was a precautionary measure.

The reliever exited Saturday's 6-2 win after he felt a tug in the oblique.

Swarzak, who the Mets signed in the offseason, has allowed one run -- a home run by the Cardinals' Matt Carpenter on Saturday -- in two appearances.

Vargas getting closer

Lefty Jason Vargas will throw a simulated game Monday as he works his way back from surgery on his fractured right hand. Vargas tossed a light bullpen session on Saturday.

"We're going to get him up and down a few times and see how he's feeling," Callaway said.