The Mets need help to clean up their lineup and quickly.
JD Martinez is ready to provide that.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said ahead of Thursday’s doubleheader against the Tigers at Citi Field that the veteran DH “will join one of the organization’s minor league affiliates as soon as a decision is made.” [Friday]”
Mendoza added that a decision still needs to be made on whether Martinez will end up at Triple-A Syracuse, Double-A Binghamton or Single-A Port St. Lucie.
And while they’ll decide when he’s ready to go to the majors, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be ready until Sunday for the final game against the Reds, his first day of eligibility. .
“We’re getting closer,” Mendoza said. “We have to make a decision.”
Regarding the upcoming series in Atlanta, Mendoza said:We might see him at some point in that series. [and there’s a] Perhaps we will never see him. Let’s see how he reacts once he starts playing real games in the minor leagues. ”
The 36-year-old Martinez is at bat at the team’s facility in Port St. Lucie as the Mets struggled through Week 1 of the regular season and their offense was mostly rested.
Coach Mendoza added that there is no rush to bring Martinez back and that Martinez will have a say in the decision.
“He’s going to have a strong opinion,” Mendoza said of Martinez, who signed with the Mets on March 23. “He knows himself better than anyone” [with] How detailed he is about his routine and how he feels about his swing and mechanics. We will consider those matters. He’s been able to get a lot of at-bats and he’s doing well. Now we have to take the next step. ”
