The New York Mets, battling for a postseason berth, announced a significant roster move on Sunday. Veteran outfielder Starling Marte has been activated from the injured list after nearly a two-month absence due to a bone bruise in his right knee. Marte is set to bat fifth and play right field as the Mets look to bolster their lineup in the final stretch of the season.
A Boost in the Outfield
Marte's return could be pivotal for the Mets. Before his injury, Marte played in 66 games, posting a respectable .278/.328/.416 slash line. His seven home runs, 30 RBIs, and perfect record of 12 stolen bases made him a valuable asset to the team. These numbers translated to an estimated 0.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), underlining his importance on the field.
To make space for Marte, the Mets designated outfielder Ben Gamel for assignment. Gamel, who made 18 appearances for the team, struggled to find his form, hitting just .217/.400/.261 with one RBI and a single stolen base. With over six years of major-league service time, Gamel has the option to reject any outright assignment, positioning him as a candidate for free agency.
Outfield Shuffle
In Marte's absence, the Mets relied on a combination of Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, and trade-acquisition Jesse Winker to cover the outfield. Winker, in particular, has shown promise since joining the Mets, hitting .289/.319/.333 with two extra-base hits in his 14 games. Earlier this season with the Nationals, Winker slashed a noteworthy .257/.374/.419 in 101 games, earning a 128 OPS+.
Season on the Line
As of now, the Mets hold a 64-59 record, trailing by nine games in the National League East. However, they are only a single game back in the chase for the third and final NL wild-card spot. The return of Marte is timely as the team heads into the latter part of the season. After concluding their series against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, they will face the Baltimore Orioles in a three-game series starting Monday, followed by crucial matches against divisional rivals.
The Mets' postseason aspirations heavily depend on managerial decisions, player performances, and overall team health. Each of these factors will play a crucial role as the season winds down. For the fans, Marte's return signifies renewed hope and a sense of urgency as the team aims to build momentum and improve their wildcard position.