The New York Mets bolstered their lineup on Sunday by activating veteran outfielder Starling Marte from the injured list. Marte, who had been sidelined for nearly two months due to a bone bruise in his right knee, is set to bat fifth and take up his usual position in right field.
Before his injury, Marte showcased solid performance in 66 games, posting a .278/.328/.416 slash line. He contributed seven home runs, 30 RBIs, and demonstrated his speed with 12 stolen bases—all successful attempts. His overall performance was valued at an estimated 0.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), underscoring his importance to the Mets' lineup.
To accommodate Marte's return, the Mets designated outfielder Ben Gamel for assignment. Gamel, who appeared in 18 games for the team, hit .217/.400/.261 with one RBI and a stolen base. With more than six years of major-league service time, Gamel has the right to reject any outright assignment, making him a potential candidate for free agency. The club has a week to decide whether to place Gamel on outright or release waivers.
Mets’ Outfield Dynamics
Recently, the Mets have relied on a combination of Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, and trade-acquisition Jesse Winker to cover the outfield. Winker, in particular, has made a noteworthy contribution since joining the team, batting .289/.319/.333 with two extra-base hits in 14 games. Earlier in the season with the Nationals, Winker slashed .257/.374/.419 in 101 games, earning a 128 OPS+.
The return of Marte provides an additional boost as the Mets seek to strengthen their position in the highly competitive National League East and wild-card races. Holding a 64-59 record, the Mets are currently nine games back in the NL East and just a single game behind in the chase for the third and final NL wild-card spot.
Critical Series Ahead
Following their series finale against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, the Mets will host the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game set starting Monday. This series marks a critical phase for the Mets as they aim to build momentum and improve their wildcard position. Matchups against divisional rivals and other formidable opponents in the wild-card race loom large on the horizon.
The emphasis remains on managerial decisions, player performances, and maintaining the health of key players as the season reaches its crucial juncture. For Mets fans, the return of Starling Marte signals renewed hope and underscores the urgency of the team's playoff aspirations. Marte’s experience and skill set could provide the necessary edge to navigate this final stretch of the season.
In a year marked by challenges and fierce competition, every game holds significant weight. With the addition of Marte back into the fold, the Mets are better equipped to take on the ensuing battles and aim for a strong finish to their campaign.