Mets' Superstar Slugger Won't Join Team For Crucial Series With Braves

The New York Mets will be without their superstar slugger for their crucial series against the Atlanta Braves.

Oct 9, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter J.D. Martinez (28) | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets were hoping to have their new superstar slugger for their critical series with the Atlanta Braves this week, but that won't happen.

As manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Sunday morning, DH J.D. Martinez will take the next few days off from playing in games in Port St. Lucie. The good news is that Martinez will continue his ramp up on Tuesday, as Mendoza said.

Martinez played in his first minor league game on Friday with the Low-A St. Lucie Mets. He hit second in the batting order, grounding out three times and drawing a walk.

Martinez is coming off a big season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he hit .271/.321/.572 with a .893 OPS, 33 home runs, 103 RBIs and a 135 wRC+ in 113 games.

With Martinez added to the fold on a one-year, $12 million deal, superstar slugger Pete Alonso now has protection in the lineup in a contract year.

Martinez has been the best DH in the game of baseball over the course of the past decade. His numbers are almost identical to Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez, which is why his bat is such a significant addition for the Mets' offense.

The Mets have struggled to score runs in their first eight games (2.75 runs per game, 28th in MLB), which is why they are longing for Martinez to join the club. They shouldn't have to wait too much longer, but they will not have him for their series in Atlanta.

For now, the Mets will have to find other ways to create runs until Martinez is ready to be activated. His arrival is on the horizon, but he will require a few days off before he can begin ramping up again.