J.D. Martinez joining St. Lucie Friday, could make Mets debut Monday against Braves
J.D. Martinez, who had been getting at-bats without being in a game setting, is joining the A-ball St. Lucie Mets.
Martinez is hitting second for St. Lucie on Friday night.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said before Friday's game against the Reds in Cincinnati that Martinez will serve as the DH for St. Lucie on Friday and Saturday before a day off on Sunday.
After that, Martinez and the Mets will determine the next steps, including the possibility of joining the big league club on Monday for the opener of their series in Atlanta against the Braves.
This Sunday is the first day that the 36-year-old can join the Mets, with him having to spend at least 10 days in the minors after being optioned.
Martinez, who was signed by the Mets on March 23, will provide a jolt to the lineup once ready.
DJ Stewart has been getting the bulk of DH at-bats while Martinez prepares, and Stewart has started the season 0-for-9 with two walks and five strikeouts.
