BOSTON — Around this time last year, the Mets made a key lineup decision that altered the course of their season by moving Francisco Lindor to the leadoff spot that had been occupied by Brandon Nimmo for years.
In search of an offensive spark, the Mets have shaken up the lineup for the series finale against the Boston Red Sox, moving Juan Soto down from the second spot to the third and Pete Alonso to the fourth spot in the order. Starling Marte hit second against left-hander Garrett Crochet and the Red Sox and played in left field, giving Nimmo a day off.
“I’m trying to shuffle some things around,” manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday at Fenway Park. “I’m not a guy that likes to overreact. I like consistency, giving guys chances, but I just felt today was a day to move some people around, and especially the guys at the top facing a lefty. I knew I was going to move Soto to third and Pete to fourth, I was looking for a right-handed bat for the two-hole and he came down to Mark [Vientos] or Marte. I decided to go with Marte today…
“That’s what he’s here for, especially against left-handed pitching.”
The Mets want to give this 3-4 combination some runway to see if they can produce.
“There’s a good chance I’ll keep those guys at three and four,” Mendoza said. “Then we’ll go from there.”
The No. 2 spot could feature a few different hitters depending on the pitching matchups. The Mets are set to face left-hander Clayton Kershaw on Friday night at Citi Field when the Los Angeles Dodgers visit Queens for the first time since the NLCS, so Marte could remain at that spot for another game.
Marte has struggled at the plate this season as a platoon DH, playing a bench role for the first time in his career. The inconsistent playing time has affected his timing at the plate. To combat that, the 36-year-old Dominican watches most of the game from the dugout, trying to study the starting pitchers. During home games, he goes into the batting cages to take swings off the pitching machine, trying to replicate at-bats.
He may finally be settling into the role. Over his last 25 plate appearances, Marte has gone 7-for-22 (.318) with two walks, a double and a stolen base. Hitting second, he could see some better pitches to hit.
“Give it time,” Mendoza said. “It wasn’t easy at the beginning, but I think he’s to a place now where he’s understanding this situation, understanding the role, trying to stay ready and adjusting his routine. I feel like he’s in a good in a good place right now.”
Defense might be a different story. This is the first time Marte has played in left field since 2020, when he played three innings in the corner for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He hasn’t made a start at the spot since 2017 as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he’ll have to contend with the Green Monster. He’s been working with outfield coach Antoan Richardson before games this week to take fly balls in left and field balls off the wall.
Marte told the Mets before the season started that he would be willing to play anywhere in the outfield, but center field is where he has the second-most innings.
FRIENDLY FIRE
Lindor and Alex Cora shared some laughs about the Red Sox skipper’s ejection from Tuesday night’s game. After right-hander Walker Buehler reacted to a bad call by home plate umpire Mark Estabrook by leaving the mound and yelling profanities, Cora came out to argue on behalf of his pitcher. Lindor, at first base, was seen laughing and jokingly encouraging the umpires to throw the two out of the game.
Lindor was at first base after getting hit by a pitch from Buehler, but the pitcher felt the shortstop had leaned into it. When Estabrook called ball 2 on Soto when it was a pitch over the middle of the plate, he lost it. The ejection occurred in the third inning, forcing the Red Sox to empty their bullpen.
Buehler was seen yelling at Lindor during the NLCS as a member of the Dodgers, but Lindor insists there is no ill will. Cora and Lindor share the same hometown in Puerto Rico, Caguas, and Lindor has played for him in the World Baseball Classic, as well as played for his brother, Joey, a former third base coach for the Mets from 2022-2023.
“I love him,” Lindor said of the Boston skipper. “He’s a great mentor and friend, and somebody that, when we’re playing against each other, we want what’s best for each other.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Right-hander Paul Blackburn (right knee inflammation) tossed seven shutout innings in a rehab start Wednesday afternoon with Triple-A Syracuse, allowing only one hit and two walks, while striking out six. The goal was 80 pitches and he threw 87. Mendoza said he could make another rehab start to continue building up his pitch count. They don’t currently have a spot for him on the roster, but will have to clear one after his rehab clock runs out.
