NY Mets lineup puzzle comes with a red-hot bat

The New York Mets have been juggling bats lately, trying to keep everyone’s swing in rhythm while keeping the lineup productive. Some players are seeing regular at-bats, while others are getting sprinkled in, and the team is constantly adjusting to ensure everyone contributes. Deciding who steps to the plate has turned into a balancing act of timing, streaks, and opportunity.

One bat making a clear case for more time is Starling Marte. Since returning from the injured list in July, he’s been swinging a hot bat, yet he’s struggled to get the consistent reps his production warrants. The Mets have shared the DH spot, trying to get Mark Vientos going while rotating the lineup to keep others active. Despite performing at the plate, Marte’s opportunities haven’t matched his output.

Starling Marte keeps proving he belongs in the lineup, even if the Mets haven’t made room yet.

Marte showed flashes of life in early July, going 7-for-12 over three games on the 3rd, 5th, and 6th before getting injured. Since returning from the injured list on July 23, he’s carried that momentum forward, hitting .308 with a .928 OPS (eight extra-base hits) in 52 at-bats. Those numbers would usually earn a more prominent role, yet Marte hasn’t been getting consistent at-bats.

Brett Baty has been scorching in August, hitting .378 with a 1.107 OPS, four homers, 13 runs, and seven RBIs, while Jeff McNeil has been steady at .294 with eight RBIs and nine runs scored. With both players swinging well and locked into regular spots, the Mets aren’t shifting much to make room for Marte, even as his bat continues to heat up.

Prior to the last few games, Vientos primarily held the DH role, hitting .222 with a .689 OPS, two homers, and eight RBIs in August. With Nimmo and McNeil banged up, Mendoza has been able to slot Marte into the lineup more often while shifting other players around. That stretch has allowed Marte to keep his bat hot and show what he can do when given consistent opportunities.

Once Brandon Nimmo and McNeil return, the lineup will tighten again. Baty and McNeil will resume their regular spots, Vientos will continue seeing DH reps, and Marte will likely rotate through the order. With production like his, it’s hard not to wonder if the Mets could be getting more out of the lineup, with Marte’s hot bat playing a bigger role.

Marte’s numbers make a strong case for more playing time, and his continued hot streak shows what he can add when he steps up to the plate. With Nimmo and McNeil returning, the DH spot will get crowded again, making it clear: if the Mets want to fully capitalize on their hot hitters, finding a way to get Marte more at-bats is a puzzle worth solving.