The New York Mets Face Setbacks with Key Players

The New York Mets, who were on a winning streak in June after a turbulent May, are now facing setbacks due to the absence of two key contributors. Closer Edwin Díaz has chosen not to appeal his 10-game suspension for violating prohibitions on foreign substances, while right fielder Starling Marte has been placed on the injured list with a right knee bone bruise.

Edwin Díaz’s suspension came after he was ejected before even throwing a pitch in a game against the Chicago Cubs. Despite claiming that he used a legal concoction of rosin, sweat, and dirt for a better grip on the baseball, the umpires found a sticky, discolored substance that did not align with his statement. This incident marks the eighth suspension of pitchers for foreign substances in the 2021 season, with Díaz being the third player from the Mets to face such consequences.

Impact on the Bullpen

With Díaz out for the next 10 games, the Mets bullpen will be short-handed. Manager Carlos Mendoza stated that they will need to make changes to avoid another violation in the future. Despite the setback, Mendoza expressed confidence in the team’s depth and their ability to navigate through the challenges ahead.

On the other hand, Starling Marte’s placement on the injured list due to a right knee bone bruise further complicates the situation for the Mets. The 35-year-old outfielder, who has been a valuable asset to the team with a .278/.328/.416 slash line and seven home runs in 66 games this season, will be out of action for at least a month.

In response to Marte’s absence, the Mets have called up veteran outfielder Ben Gamel to replace him on the roster, while DJ Stewart, Tyrone Taylor, Jeff McNeil, and Gamel are all named as options to fill in the right field position. Mendoza emphasized the need to take things one game at a time and make adjustments based on availability and matchups, especially with a stretch of eight games in eight days looming ahead.

As the Mets face the challenges of dealing with the loss of two key players, they will need to rely on their depth and adaptability to stay competitive in the league. While Díaz’s suspension and Marte’s injury pose significant obstacles, the team remains optimistic about their ability to overcome these setbacks and continue their pursuit of success in the remainder of the season.