New York Mets DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez will head to a minor-league affiliate, and there's a possibility that he joins the team in Atlanta for the start of a series against the division-rival Braves early next week. Martinez wasn't included on the team's Opening Day roster after signing with the club late in spring training. The 36-year-old veteran slugger stayed behind in extended spring training to get his swing right, but it appears he's getting close to making his debut with the team. To start the year, D.J. Stewart has been serving as the Mets' primary designated hitter, but Martinez will eventually take over those duties to give first baseman Pete Alonso more protection in the lineup. If you're looking to add a little more thump to your fantasy team and Martinez is available, pick him up and stash him now.

MLB.com's Anthony DiComo writes that the New York Mets will unofficially proceed with right-hander Adrian Houser in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, and right-hander Jose Butto in Game 2 after the game against Detroit was postponed for the second straight day on Wednesday due to inclement weather. Butto will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to make his first big-league start of the year after going 1-4 with a 3.64 ERA (4.02 FIP) and 1.33 WHIP with 23 walks and 38 strikeouts in 42 innings over nine appearances (seven starts) for the Mets in 2023. The 26-year-old is likely to head right back down to the minors after his appearance in the second game of the twin bill in New York on Thursday.

New York Mets right-hander Jose Butto and left-hander Joey Lucchesi are the team's starting rotation options to replace Tylor Megill (shoulder) that are already on the 40-man roster. Megill landed on the injured list on Monday. Butto impressed club officials with a strong showing in spring training and was one of the final roster cuts. But he struggled with command and walked four in five innings in his first start with Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday. Manager Carlos Mendoza said in February that Lucchesi showed up to spring training a bit behind other starters, although he threw five scoreless innings for Syracuse on Friday. Prospects Christian Scott and Mike Vasil will likely see time with the Mets in 2024, but it's unclear how early that might occur. If New York looks externally for pitching help, it could come in the form of veteran free agent Julio Teheran.

Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Ryne Stanek picked up his first save of the season in Monday's 5-4 win over the Guardians. Stanek came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by one and delivered a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. Andres Munoz would typically see save opportunities for the Mariners, but he was used in the eighth inning of this game given the close score. Stanek has turned in useful seasons throughout his career and has pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings this season with one hit allowed, one walk, and three strikeouts. However, he has never seen consistent save opportunities, severely limiting his fantasy value.

Washington Nationals outfielder Jesse Winker (illness) got sick in the first inning of Monday's loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates and was replaced by Eddie Rosario in the eventual 8-4 loss before he even recorded a plate appearance. Rosario was initially on the bench to start the game with a left-hander on the mound for the Bucs, but he ended up going 0-for-4 with a strikeout to drop his season average to .200. Winker should avoid the injured list and could be back in Washington's starting lineup in a day or two. The 30-year-old veteran is set for a platoon role in the Nats' outfield to begin the 2024 season against right-handed pitchers. He swung the bat well in the first three games over the weekend, going 5-for-11 (.455) with a double, RBI, two walks and three strikeouts in 14 plate appearances.