Mets provide update on J.D. Martinez’s hitting progression [UPDATE]

NEW YORK — Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez is getting close.

Ahead of the series opener against the Tigers on Monday, Carlos Mendoza provided an update on Martinez, who the Mets signed to a one-year contract worth $12 million in March.

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“He’s still in Port St. Lucie. He’s getting a ton of at-bats, he got like six or eight (at-bats) the other day. Every day, he’s getting at-bats,” Mendoza said. “In the next couple of days, we’ll revisit with him and see what’s the next step, whether it’s in Port St. Lucie continuing to get at-bats or in a controlled environment or we put him with one of our affiliates, Syracuse or anywhere else.

“We’re still probably two or three days before we can revisit and see what the next step is.”

Because the Mets optioned Martinez to Triple-A to work on his hitting progression after signing him, the soonest he can be recalled is April 12. That is unless it’s to replace someone going on the IL.

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UPDATE

According to the Mets manager, Martinez is available to be called up as soon as Sunday, April 7. The April 12 rule applies to pitchers only, unless someone lands in the IL.

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That means fans could possibly see Martinez in Citi Field in less than two weeks.

The Mets could use three-time Silver Slugger’s bat as soon as possible, especially after getting swept in their opening series against the Brewers. Through the first weekend, the Mets have scored the fewest runs (eight) and the second-fewest hits (18) in MLB. They were outscored by Milwaukee 14-8.

This is a continuation of spring training, where they ranked last in batting average (.225), and 28th in OPS (.668) and runs scored (121).

The 6-foot-3 Miami native won’t solve all of the Mets’ problems, but he will certainly lengthen the lineup and provide protection for Pete Alonso, who pushed for Martinez’s signing according to owner Steve Cohen.

“If I were him, I would want that,” Cohen told reporters on Opening Day. “Pete was excited that we got him... I certainly can’t blame him for wanting that. It’s good for the team too because now we have depth in the lineup, and offensively we’re much stronger.”

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Manny Gómez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.