SAN FRANCISCO — The next time a Mets lineup card is submitted, it’s expected J.D. Martinez’s name will be included.
The veteran DH played a final game for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.
According to manager Carlos Mendoza, he will join the Mets on Friday against the Cardinals to open a new homestand.
Martinez, 36, has spent the past month preparing for the season after arriving late in spring training on a one-year contract worth $12 million that includes deferrals.
Martinez’s readiness was also delayed by lower-back tightness that prompted him to receive a cortisone shot.
“This is a guy that, it’s not a secret, he’s had a good career and what he provides from the offensive side and the impact he provides for a ball club,” Mendoza said before the Mets faced the Giants at Oracle Park. “This is a pretty smart hitter and he’s got his ideas and he’s very impactful. I am really looking forward to having him on this team.”
Mendoza’s plan before the season was to bat Martinez cleanup, behind Pete Alonso.
The manager said Wednesday that he still wants Martinez hitting behind Alonso, but it’s possible that will be as the fifth hitter.
Martinez last season produced at a .271/.321/.572 clip with 33 homers and 103 RBIs for the Dodgers.
“Out of the gate I am not going to run this guy and DH him every day,” Mendoza said. “He’s going to need some days, so it’s one of those where I will sit with him and put together a game plan, because he’s important. He is too valuable for this team and we have got to be careful.”
Kolton Ingram was claimed off waivers by the Rangers.
The lefty pitcher was designated for assignment by the Mets this week.
The Mets are off Thursday before beginning a stretch in which they are scheduled to play 13 straight days.
The possibility of inserting a sixth starter during that stretch has been considered, according to pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, but a decision hasn’t been reached.
