J.D. Martinez's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez and outfielder Starling Marte will both start on the bench on Friday for the contest against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Aaron Nola at Citizens Bank Park. Outfielder Jesse Winker will serve as the DH for the Mets and hit fifth, while Tyrone Taylor makes the start in right field and hits seventh against Nola. It's a tough matchup for the entire Mets batting order. Winker is hitting just .182 with a home run and two RBI in 22 career at-bats versus Nola, while Taylor has hit .375 with an RBI, albeit in just eight at-bats in his career against Nola. Martinez could use a day off, as the 37-year-old has struggled so far in September, going 3-for-21 (.143) with four RBI. Marte has also struggled since coming off the injured list back on Aug. 18, going 12-for-56 (.214) with three doubles and four RBI.

The New York Mets reinstated designated hitter J.D. Martinez from the paternity list on Thursday and optioned outfielder DJ Stewart in a corresponding move. The Mets also claimed outfielder Jose Azocar off waivers from the San Diego Padres and assigned him to Triple-A Syracuse while moving pitcher Sean Reid-Foley (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. The Mets don't play on Thursday, so Martinez won't be able to return to the starting lineup until Friday's series opener at Citi Field against the visiting Cincinnati Reds. The 37-year-old veteran was hitless in his last two games before going on paternity leave, but he's gone 8-for-26 (.308) with two homers, a double and four RBI in his previous seven games dating back to Aug. 25, so the Mets will be hoping he can pick up where he left off as the team continues their push for the final wild-card spot in the National League.

The New York Mets placed designated hitter J.D. Martinez on the paternity list on Monday and recalled outfielder DJ Stewart from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Martinez is likely to miss the entire series this week at Citi Field against the visiting Boston Red Sox as Martinez welcomes a new addition to his family. Outfielder Jesse Winker will serve as the DH on Monday and bat cleanup, while Stewart mans left field and hits in the eight-hole against Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello. Martinez has provided moderate power for fantasy managers this year and has hit .308 (8-for-26) with two homers, a double and four RBI for the Mets in his last seven games dating back to Aug. 25. The 30-year-old Stewart should get some more starts this week if the team is facing right-handed pitching. He's hit just .172 (26-for-151) in 2024 with five homers and 19 RBI.