New York Mets Get Star Slugger Back For Pivotal Stretch

The New York Mets are getting this star slugger back as they continue to push for a spot in the postseason.
Aug 25, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez (28) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
Aug 25, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez (28) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images / Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
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The New York Mets are getting one of their most important hitters back.

On Thursday's off-day, the Mets reinstated designated hitter J.D. Martinez from the paternity list and optioned outfielder DJ Stewart back to Triple-A Syracuse.

Martinez was placed on the paternity list on Monday ahead of the Mets' three-game series with his former team in the Boston Red Sox. New York proceeded to sweep the Red Sox without Martinez, extending their winning streak to seven games.

Martinez has been one of the Mets' best sluggers in 2024 after signing a one-year, $12 million deal with spring training winding down. The 37-year-old has slashed .252/.336/.441 with a .777 OPS, 16 home runs and 65 RBIs in 105 games this season in Queens.

Given his extensive hitting knowledge, Martinez has made a major impact on younger players such as Mark Vientos. His presence has paid dividends for Vientos, who has hit .284 with a .883 OPS and 22 homers since taking over the Mets' third base job in late-May.

As for Martinez, the righty swinger had been heating up as of late, slashing .308/.379/.577 with a .956 OPS and two homers across his last seven games.

With just 22 games left to play in the regular season, the Mets trail the NL East rival Atlanta Braves by a half game for the final spot in the Wild Card race.

It will be all hands on-deck for the Mets down this final stretch of the season, and having Martinez back in their lineup will give them a major boost.

In addition to reinstating Martinez and optioning Stewart, the Mets claimed outfielder José Azócar off waivers from the San Diego Padres and sent him to Syracuse. The team also moved reliever Sean Reid-Foley to the 60-day IL.


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Pat Ragazzo
PAT RAGAZZO

Pat Ragazzo is the main publisher and reporter for the Mets and Yankees On SI sites. He has been covering the Mets since 2018 and Yankees since 2021. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has appeared on several major TV Networks including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is a recurring guest on ESPN New York 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM. Pat is also the Mets insider for Barstool Sports personality Frank "The Tank" Fleming’s podcast. You can follow him on Twitter/X and Instagram: @ragazzoreport.