The New York Mets received a significant boost on Sunday, activating veteran outfielder Starling Marte from the injured list after a nearly two-month absence. Slated to bat fifth and play right field, Marte's return comes at a pivotal moment for the Mets, who are keen to strengthen their position in the National League wild-card race.
Marte had been sidelined due to a bone bruise in his right knee, an injury that kept him out of action for 66 games. Before the injury, Marte was a key contributor to the Mets' offense, posting a .278/.328/.416 slash line with seven home runs, 30 runs batted in, and 12 stolen bases—all successful attempts. Additionally, his performance had been valued at an estimated 0.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), underscoring his importance to the team's success.
In order to make room for Marte's return, the Mets made the difficult decision to designate outfielder Ben Gamel for assignment. Gamel, who made 18 appearances for the team, hit .217/.400/.261 with one run batted in and a stolen base. With more than six years of major-league service time, Gamel has the option to reject any outright assignment, positioning him as a candidate for free agency.
The Mets have relied on a combination of Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, and trade-acquisition Jesse Winker in the outfield during Marte's absence. Winker, who joined the Mets from the Nationals, has batted .289/.319/.333 with two extra-base hits in 14 games. Earlier in the season, Winker impressed with a .257/.374/.419 slash line in 101 games with the Nationals, earning a 128 OPS+. His steady performance has provided stability amid the injury challenges the team faced.
Currently holding a 64-59 record, the Mets find themselves nine games back in the National League East. However, the team's focus is on the wild-card race, where they are just a single game behind in the hunt for the third and final NL wild-card spot. The return of Marte is seen as a critical factor in the team's push for postseason contention.
The Mets are set to host the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game series starting Monday, following their series finale against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. The upcoming matchups are crucial as the Mets face divisional rivals and formidable opponents in the wild-card race. Managerial decisions, player performances, and health will be crucial as the season winds down.
Mets fans have much to look forward to with the return of Starling Marte, who offers not only experience and skill but also a renewed sense of hope and urgency as the team aims to build momentum and improve their wildcard position. As the season enters its final stretch, the Mets must capitalize on their strengths and make strategic decisions to secure a spot in the postseason.