The Mets made the expected roster move on Sunday, activating outfielder Starling Marte off of the IL.
To make room on the active roster, outfielder Ben Gamel was designated for assignment.
Marte has played in just 66 games this season after he landed on the IL in late June with a right knee bone bruise.
Even with Marte back, manager Carlos Mendoza explained that the Mets will continue to use a rotation of outfielders that includes Marte, Tyrone Taylor, Harrison Bader and Jesse Winker, in order to help keep Marte healthy down the stretch.
Marte said on Sunday that he's on board with that idea, noting that the Mets have had success without him in the lineup, and that he trusts the manager's decision.
"He’s going to be a big part of this team, just like he’s been the past couple of years… but at the same time, we’ve got to be smart and we’ve got to protect him," Mendoza said on Sunday. "There are going to be days when he feels like he can go or wants to go, but I’m going to sit him. There’s going to be days where I’ll probably take him out of the game earlier. So yeah, we’ve just got to be smart, especially where we are at in the season.
"He was all on board. He’s all about winning."
While Mendoza wouldn’t divulge the minute details of this rotation, he understands that Marte’s return means less playing time for other players. But he’s confident that those in the clubhouse will be on board.
"The good thing is I’ve got a lot of options, good options," Mendoza said.
Before his injury, Marte slashed .278/.328/.416 with seven home runs and 30 RBI. Although the Mets offense has continued to put up runs and produce in his absence, Mendoza believes Marte can bring something more to this team.
“He’s a big part of this team. His bat, his speed, there’s a lot, his presence in the lineup, the experience. We miss him,” Mendoza said of Marte. “The fact that we’re getting a healthy Marte here, especially where we’re at in the schedule is going to be huge for our team.”
Gamel, 32, has played in 18 games with the Mets this season, recording an OPS of .661. If he clears waivers, there's a chance Gamel ends up back with Triple-A Syracuse, where he's spent most of this season.