New York Mets DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

New York Mets outfielder DJ Stewart went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run during Thursday's 16-4 rout of the Atlanta Braves. It was Stewart's second homer in his past three games, although the two long balls are his only hits this season. The 30-year-old has seen steady playing time as the designated hitter in the early going, but this seems likely to change whenever J.D. Martinez joins the roster. Stewart can be utilized as a bench bat in NL-Only formats while he is on a power surge, but he can be left on the waiver wire everywhere else.

The New York Mets have transferred right-hander Kodai Senga (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. In corresponding moves, they have selected reliever Tyler Jay from Triple-A Syracuse have optioned righty Dedniel Nunez to Syracuse. Senga initially complained of right arm fatigue early in spring training but was eventually diagnosed with a right-shoulder capsular strain that will now keep him sidelined until May 27 at a minimum but a June return to action is more likely. It's a tough blow for the Mets as Senga tossed a healthy 2.98 ERA alongside a 29.1% K% across 29 starts for the Mets in his first season in North America in 2023. He is worth an injury stash into the summer as a result.

It appears likely that right-hander Jose Butto will be called up from the minors to make another spot start on Saturday for the New York Mets against the Kansas City Royals after they designated veteran Julio Teheran for assignment on Tuesday. In his first spot start for New York on April 4 in the second game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers last week, Butto looked good, allowing just one earned run on three hits while walking three and striking out six in six innings for a quality start. If the 26-year-old has another solid showing this weekend against KC, he could stick in the Mets' rotation, at least until one of Kodai Senga (shoulder) or Tylor Megill (shoulder) are able to return from the injured list. Fantasy baseball managers in NL-only leagues in need of pitching depth should take notice.

New York Mets outfielder J.D. Martinez (back) will be shut down for three to five days after receiving a cortisone shot. The veteran slugger is dealing with lower back tightness, so hopefully this shot and rest will help him. Martinez wasn't expected to join the Mets this week, but this news means his season debut will be pushed back further. The Mets should give an update on his timetable in a few days.

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Braves. When asked about the situation, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Alvarez is beat up right now. It sounds like the young backstop is dealing with normal bumps and bruises that happen when you're a full-time catcher. Omar Narvaez will handle the duties behind the plate for at least one more game. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups accordingly.