Wed Sep 25 07:33:20 UTC 2024: ## Mets’ Slugger J.D. Martinez Benched Amidst Slump
**Atlanta, GA** – New York Mets veteran J.D. Martinez was benched on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, as his prolonged slump continued. The slugger has gone 0-for-32 in his last 32 at-bats, and his performance in September has been abysmal, with an .271 OPS and a single hit in his last 44 at-bats.
Despite his lackluster performance, Martinez expressed his desire to help the team win and acknowledged that he is not currently the “hottest hand”. He expressed confidence in his ability to break out of the slump, stating that he is “too good a hitter to continue it.”
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that Martinez may return to the lineup on Wednesday against Braves’ lefty Chris Sale. In his absence, Jesse Winker took over the designated hitter spot, going 0-for-4 in the Mets’ 5-1 loss.
While Martinez’s slump has cast a shadow over the team, the Mets remain in the playoff race. The focus now shifts to whether Martinez can find his form and contribute to the team’s success in the crucial stretch of the season.
First Piper 