Marcus Semien’s return from the injured list should have been a celebration. Instead, it turned into a clear signal that his time as a New York Met is slipping away. The veteran second baseman sat on the bench while Brett Baty delivered a huge performance in a win over the Phillies. This move by interim manager Andy Green tells us exactly where the team stands right now.
Green Makes The Tough Call
Andy Green decided to skip Semien despite his official return from the 10-day injured list. The manager opted for lefty-swinging Brett Baty against right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola. Semien had been sidelined since June 24 with a left hip flexor strain, yet he didn’t play. The New York Post reports this choice reflects just how poor the veteran has been in his first season. Green wanted to give Semien a full workout day before he started a game. He noted the player couldn’t play in any minor league rehab games during the break. This delay forced the manager to look elsewhere for Thursday night. No game for Semien.
Baty seized the moment with two hits and a solo home run in the seventh inning. The 4-1 win over Philadelphia opened the second half of the season on a high note. Semien told the team before the game that he was ready to play every single day. He stated, “When my name is called, I’ll be ready.” That promise seems to clash with the reality on the field. The data doesn’t lie about his struggles this year. Baty hit the ball hard.
A Career Low For Semien
The 35-year-old is having the worst season of his entire 14-year career. His offensive numbers have dropped off for three straight years. He’s also been a below-average defender at second base. This decline was already visible even before his hip injury sidelined him. He was a key part of the offseason overhaul by president of baseball operations David Stearns. Yet his performance hasn’t matched the investment. The team needs players who can contribute daily, not just on paper. Green added that Semien was expected to be in the lineup Saturday against lefty Jesús Luzardo. That specific matchup suggests a platoon role might be all he gets now. Is that enough?
The Future Looks Uncertain
Baty can play second and third, and Green said he might use him at first base too. Jared Young has already seen bulk playing time at first as another lefty hitter. The team seems to be building a mix of younger, more versatile options. Green said Semien will “figure prominently” in the mix going forward. But that phrase feels like a polite way of saying he’s no longer the automatic starter. The Mets need to win now, and Baty gave them a spark Semien couldn’t. The fans saw the difference in energy and production. Green said the team wanted to get Semien a full workout day before he started a game. That logic holds up, but the result is clear. Semien sits, and Baty plays. The message is loud and clear. Who’s the starter?
Do you think the Mets should trade Semien at the deadline or keep him for the platoon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
