Veteran outfielder J.D. Martinez will not be starting the MLB season with the New York Mets as initially expected. The 34-year-old slugger has been instructed to build up his at-bats in the minor leagues before joining the Mets’ lineup.
Martinez had to undergo a physical before his deferred one-year, $12 million contract could be completed. Unfortunately, it was decided that there was not enough time for Martinez to properly prepare for the season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field.
In order to catch up on missed at-bats during spring training, Martinez will have a specific minor league stint, likely lasting around 10 days. He will have the option to either take these at-bats at the Mets’ expanded spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, or with one of the team’s minor league affiliates.
The Triple-A season is set to begin next Friday, which could potentially be the timeframe for when Martinez will be ready to join the Mets’ lineup. Fans will have to wait a little longer to see Martinez in action, but it will give him the opportunity to properly prepare and have a successful season with the team. Stay tuned for updates on Martinez’s progress as he works towards making his debut with the Mets on the field.
