Melendez is out of the lineup for Friday’s game against the Marlins, ending his run in the Mets’ starting nine after a rough stretch at the plate. The move comes after he opened his time with the team on a strong note, but his recent production has dipped sharply. Over his last 18 games, Melendez has gone just 2-for-35, a slump that likely played a role in the decision to give him a night off.
With Melendez sitting, the Mets will turn to Jared Young at designated hitter for the matchup. Young is set to bat against Marlins right-hander Max Meyer, as the team adjusts its lineup in search of better offense. The change reflects the Mets’ effort to manage underperforming bats while trying to stay competitive in a difficult stretch.
Melendez’s early success had helped create optimism about his role in the lineup, but the recent skid has cooled that momentum. A two-hit effort over a span of 35 at-bats is a stark contrast to his hot start and suggests he may need time to reset before returning to regular action. By moving him out of the lineup, the Mets are signaling a temporary shift rather than a permanent change, giving him a chance to regroup while another hitter fills the designated hitter spot.
Jared Young now gets an opportunity to contribute in a favorable spot against Meyer. The matchup gives the Mets a different look offensively and could help spark production against a division opponent. Lineup changes like this are often made to break up slumps, create better matchups, and keep the offense from becoming too predictable.
For Melendez, the focus will be on rediscovering the form that made his start with the Mets so encouraging. For the team, the priority is finding enough offense to support its pitching and maintain momentum in the standings. Whether the adjustment leads to immediate results remains to be seen, but Friday’s lineup decision shows the Mets are willing to make changes when performance dips.
The decision also highlights the unpredictability of a baseball season, where hot streaks can quickly give way to prolonged struggles. Players who begin well can still face lineup changes if the results dry up, especially when opportunities are available for others to step in. Melendez’s recent numbers made him vulnerable to a rest day, and Young’s inclusion gives the Mets a chance to see if a different approach at designated hitter can produce better results.
As the Mets face the Marlins, attention will be on whether the new lineup configuration generates more offense and whether Melendez can rebound after his recent slump.
