SAN FRANCISCO — When the Mets closed camp last month, DJ Stewart was left at a loss, unsure if he would earn a roster spot.
The left-handed slugger played impressively for the club over the final two months of last season, but the team’s personnel were still not sold, especially after Stewart struggled in the Grapefruit League.
Stewart, 30, traveled north with the club but wasn’t told he was on the roster until the day before the Mets were scheduled to open the season.
“It was definitely weird,” said Stewart, who was 0-for-4 in the Mets’ 5-2 loss to the Giants at Oracle Park. “I understand the game, but it was tough having a wife and little girl who wanted to know where I was going and where my family was.
“But I’m happy with where I’m at and I’m looking forward to helping this team for the rest of the year.”
Stewart’s rise after a slow start over the past two-and-a-half weeks was emblematic of a lineup that had helped the Mets win 12 of 16 games before Monday night’s loss.
Stewart hit a home run Friday as part of the Mets’ win over the Dodgers, posting a slash line of .211/.392/.500 with three home runs and 10 RBIs, a huge improvement from a sluggish start.
“Every time you get a late start, you think about it more,” Stewart said. “I’m happy with where I’m at right now, and I’m proving that I can make good at-bats every day and help the team win.”
Stewart emerged as a regular DH against right-handed pitchers. However, despite his impressive play, his role could be reduced as the team prepares for the arrival of J.D. Martinez.
Martinez is scheduled to begin play Tuesday at Triple-A Syracuse, his last stop before the Mets activate him and could play as early as Friday.
Martinez, who signed a one-year contract worth $12 million near the end of spring training, has spent almost a month accumulating at-bats in preparation for the season. His training was interrupted by lower back tightness and he was out of action for about a week.
Talks have already taken place between Stewart and coach Carlos Mendoza. Stewart understands the situation.
“clearly [Martinez] “He’s going to be a big part of the DH role,” Stewart said. “But if I’m there and I’m a starter or a reserve and I give one of my outfielders a day off, I just have to be ready. And even in games where I’m not starting, it’s the same, just I just want to be able to help the team.”
Stewart’s chances of staying may have become even more likely after Francisco Alvarez tore a ligament in his left thumb, sidelining him until at least June. Alvarez is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday.
The Mets have two catchers who lack offensive ability, so Stewart could be seen as a late-inning pinch-hitting threat. Stewart hit 11 home runs in just 160 at-bats with the club last season, so the Mets signed him to a one-year contract worth $1.38 million.
“He’s a very important role for this team, and even with JD coming back, he’s going to get a spot,” Mendoza said.
The Mets value Stewart’s power, but his 21.3 percent walk rate at the start of the game was a major league first.
“Every time I walk, I’m swinging at the right pitch,” Stewart said. “I’ve always been known for a lot of walks, and I have power, but sometimes I strike out too many, so that’s what I’m trying to focus on. That’s what we talked about at the end of last year. It means that when you put it out there, it usually does damage.”
