After an uncertain start to the season, DJ Stewart has emerged as a key contributor to the Mets’ lineup, boasting a .211/.392/.500 slash line with three homers and 10 RBIs. However, the arrival of J.D. Martinez is expected to reduce his role, a situation Stewart understands and accepts. Despite Martinez’s impending activation, Stewart’s versatility as a DH and potential as a late-inning pinch-hitter may secure his place on the roster, especially given Francisco Alvarez’s injury.
“Obviously [Martinez] will be handling the majority of the DH role,” Stewart said. “But if I am in there, starting or backing up, giving one of the outfielders a day off, I just need to be ready. And then the same in even games I don’t start, just being able to help the team.”
Stewart’s chances of staying may have only improved with Francisco Alvarez sidelined into at least June after tearing a ligament in his left thumb. Alvarez is scheduled for surgery Tuesday. With the Mets carrying two catchers lacking offensive pop, Stewart could be viewed as a late-inning pinch hitting threat.
Stewart last season hit 11 homers in only 160 at-bats with the club, prompting the Mets to give him a one-year contract worth $1.38 million.
“He’s been a huge part of this team and I could see a spot for him, even when J.D. comes back,” Mendoza said.
As much as the Mets value Stewart’s power, his walk-rate of 21.3 percent entering play was first in the major leagues.
“Any time I am taking my walks I am swinging at the right pitches,” Stewart said. “I have always been known to walk a lot and I have power, but sometimes the strikeout numbers are too much and that is something I am trying to concentrate on. Something we talked about at the end of last year: when I put the ball in play there is usually damage.”
