Will Jose Martinez return after rehab assignment?
NEW YORK — With the clock just about up on Jose Martinez’s minorleague rehabilitation assignment, the Mets are facing an imminent decision on what to do with the outfielder/first baseman: Bring him to the majors, where the righthanded hitter might be able to help against lefthanded pitchers, or keep him in the minors.
Martinez, coming back from left knee surgery after tearing his meniscus during spring training, will hit the 20-day maximum in the minors on Friday. He can, however, be activated from the major-league injured list and optioned to the minors on an indefinite basis.
“When he finishes, we’ll see what we have to do,” manager Luis Rojas said. “It’s a good bat, especially against lefties.”
Martinez has hit .307 with a .382 OBP and .534 slugging percentage against lefthanders in his career. The Mets this year are at .240/.321/.374.
Notably, Martinez has played right field in 10 of 11 minor-league games, including all five with Triple-a Syracuse. The Mets’ right fielder — pending free agent Michael Conforto — has struggled against southpaws this year, posting a .163/.323/.188 slash line heading into play Thursday (though August has been his best month overall).
Daily degrom: Jacob degrom played catch again Thursday, day two of his attempted comeback from right elbow inflammation. This time he threw from 50 feet.
“That’s the progression,” Rojas said. “He’s going to keep going further and further each day. No complaints.”
Nido nearing return: There is “optimism” that Tomas Nido will return from a sprained left thumb Friday, Rojas said. He took part in a series of drills, including throwing to bases, on Thursday.
“Everything has progressed as expected for this weekend,” the manager said.
James Mccann (back spasms) is further behind and won’t return when eligible Friday. He is still feeling tightness during some exercises.
Extra bases: Luis Guillorme (strained left hamstring) began a rehab assignment with Syracuse . ... Robert Gsellman (torn right lat) is scheduled to throw off the slope of a mound this weekend. ... David Peterson (right foot surgery) is “more than anything resting,” Rojas said . ... Pete Alonso wore customized cleats, featuring silhouettes of U.S. Paralympians, which will auctioned via the Mets Foundation to benefit NYC Parks Accessibility Programs and his charity, Homers for Heroes.
Late Wednesday: Five double plays and a timely hit from Brandon Crawford saved the major league-leading San Francisco Giants in one of their sloppiest games of the season. Still, they needed a little extra from closer Jake Mcgee against slugger Pete Alonso to turn it all into a victory.
Mcgee induced a game-ending popup from Alonso with the bases loaded and the Giants escaped with a 3-2 win over the New York Mets on Wednesday night despite two errors and just four hits.