J.D. Martinez unlikely to join Mets on upcoming west coast trip
Manager Carlos Mendoza says Martinez 'could be back' once Mets return from California
J.D. Martinez is not expected to join the New York Mets in Los Angeles or on their upcoming six-game west coast trip to California.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Martinez, who has been experiencing "overall body soreness” and resumed swinging a bat Monday, could possibly make his debut in the Mets lineup when the team returns to Citi Field following six games against the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants on Tuesday.
Martinez is moving through an accelerated spring training, but the organization doesn’t want to rush him back too soon. He received a cortisone shot for his “lower back tightness” last week as the team exercised caution and patience with the process, then received better news Monday.
The 36-year old was a late addition to the current 40-man roster, signing a one-year, $13 million contract back on March 24. Despite minimal physical activity since signing, Martinez is anticipated in the Mets’ lineup as soon as the end of April.
The six-time All-Star will become the primary designated hitter and replace – and likely, upgrade – DJ Stewart (.200/.412/.520/.932), who has acted as the primary DH for New York through the first 16 games. Martinez’s power – 315 career home runs and 33 in 113 games last season with the Dodgers – will help give the Mets another power option in the lineup after Pete Alonso. Alonso has connected on six of the team’s home runs this season, with 11 of the 17 in total coming elsewhere.
New York is starting to receive better contributions from outfielder Starling Marte and shortstop Francisco Lindor, but still sorely need Martinez’s protection and power potential in the middle of the lineup. Franchise mainstays outfielder Brandon Nimmo (.217/.356/.400/.756) and second baseman Jeff McNeil (.204/.328/.286/.613) continue to struggle out of the gate in 2024.
Following a lowly 0-5 start, the Mets are 8-5 in their past 13 games. New York is averaging nearly five runs (4.9) per game during that span.
