On Saturday afternoon, before the New York Mets take the field for game two of a series against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team called up Mark Vientos and Dedniel Núñez. Two key pieces were missing from the Mets regulars. Starling Marte was not in the Mets Saturday lineup when it was released. DJ Stewart took his place in right field, and Francisco Lindor moved up to the second spot in the lineup. The other piece comes from the bullpen. Drew Smith is unavailable. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed before Saturday’s game that Marte is on the bereavement list, and Smith is on the injured list with a shoulder inflammation.
Mark Vientos. Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Mendoza said Marte should be out three days, and Vientos has been called up for his spot. So far this season, Marte has played up to his capability. He’s slashing .288/.327/.442 with 4 home runs, 12 RBIs, and 6 stolen bases. He’s been a steady presence at the top of the Mets lineup.
Smith has been a good surprise out of the Mets bullpen and has been very reliable in key situations. In 10 games, he’s pitched to a 2.70 ERA with 11 strikeouts in ten innings with a WHIP of 1.700. Smith is now the second Mets reliever lost to the injured list. Brooks Raley was placed on the injured list due to elbow inflammation last Sunday. Dedniel Núñez was called up to take Smith’s spot.
