TORONTO — DJ Stewart is getting a second chance.
The Mets outfielder/designated hitter missed out on a spot when rosters were expanded on Sept. 1 and was likely to finish the season with Triple-A Syracuse, except for a three-day stint filling in for J.D. Martinez, who is on paternity leave.
That all changed when Jeff McNeil broke his right wrist and missed the remainder of the regular season.
Stewart not only came off the bench last weekend as a left-handed hitter, but also started in right field on Tuesday in the Mets' 6-2 loss to the Blue Jays.
Stewart had one hit and two strikeouts in three at-bats for a .177 batting average, .325 on-base percentage and .297 slugging percentage.
“I have 13 fielders and I'm going to give them a chance to play,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.[Stewart] He's here for a reason and we expect him to have some good at-bats.”
Mendoza said he didn't want to use Starling Marte for all three games on the artificial turf at Rogers Centre, and he appreciated adding two left-handed hitters to the lineup, Jesse Winker in left field and Brandon Nimmo in center field.
Paul Blackburn showed no signs of recovery from the back strain that prevented him from returning to the starting rotation as scheduled on Monday.
Mendoza said the right-hander will miss at least one more game and that a decision on whether Blackburn travels with the team to Philadelphia or returns to New York will be made after Wednesday's game.
Tyler Megill, who pitched six scoreless innings in place of Blackburn on Monday, will remain in the rotation and is expected to pitch either Sunday against Philadelphia or next week against the Nationals at Citi Field.
With Thursday being a rest day, Mendoza has the option to use David Peterson on regular rest for Sunday's game against the Phillies.
Blackburn has missed three starts while on injured reserve.
The first two were the result of a bruised right hand caused by a liner.
Sean Reid Foley has been selected as this year's recipient of the Bob Feller Courage Award.
The right-hander was recognized for his dedication to building connections with the military community and embodying the core values of service, sacrifice, citizenship and heritage.
Eddie Alvarez (0 for 2) started as second baseman and batted ninth.
The Mets acquired the 34-year-old infielder in a trade with the Red Sox on Sunday.
He entered the game as a pinch runner in the eighth inning on Monday and drove in from third base on a passed ball to score the Mets' winning run.
