Marcus Semien was reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Thursday, rejoining the New York Mets in time for their series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Semien was not in the starting lineup for the 4-1 victory, a decision interim manager Andy Green attributed to Semien's recent performance and the need for a full workout day following his rehab assignment.
Green opted to start Brett Baty at second base against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola. Baty capitalized on the opportunity, recording two hits, including a home run. "When my name is called, I'll be ready," Semien stated before the game. "I'm ready to play every single day. That's what I told Andy."
Green suggested that the decision was part of a strategy to manage playing time between Semien and Baty, who bats left-handed. He indicated that Semien would likely be in the lineup on Saturday against Phillies lefty Jesús Luzardo. "He'll figure prominently in our mix going forward," Green said of Semien.
Semien, a key acquisition by president of baseball operations David Stearns in the offseason, had been sidelined since June 24 with a left hip flexor strain. Even before the injury, the 14-year veteran was experiencing the most challenging season of his career, with declining offensive production for the third consecutive year and below-average defense at second base.
Baty, who can play second base, third base, and potentially first base, has shown promise when given opportunities. "This is who he is as a hitter and what he can do," Green said of Baty's recent offensive uptick. "He presents a lot of defensive versatility... [and] he's showing the pop in his bat we believe he has."
Baty acknowledged his own struggles earlier in the season but expressed optimism about his recent play. "I don't think it's been good at all," Baty said. "I hold myself to a way higher standard than the way I've been playing. I think the last two or so weeks have been the kind of player I am: hitting the ball hard and playing good defense. That's all I can really control."
To make space on the roster for Semien, Zack Short was designated for assignment. Short had been starting at second base for the previous three games before the All-Star break, partly due to Bo Bichette's right ankle soreness. Bichette returned to the lineup at third base on Thursday, with Baty playing second.