PHILADELPHIA -- The Mets welcomed second baseman Marcus Semien back from the injured list in their first game back from the All-Star break on Thursday, though Semien was not in the starting lineup for the team’s series opener at Citizens Bank Park.
Instead, Semien rode the bench while Brett Baty, who hit .289/.306/.444 in his last 12 games before the break, started at second base.
Semien has struggled for most of his first season with the Mets, batting a career-worst .214/.271/.341 in 80 games before straining his left hip flexor in late June. Initial reports suggested Semien would need 4-6 weeks to recover, but he made it back in just four.
With their full Opening Day lineup healthy again, the Mets figure to roll with Francisco Lindor at shortstop and Bo Bichette at third base most days. That leaves first and second open for a mix of Semien, Baty, Jared Young and Eric Wagaman. Eventually, Jorge Polanco could also slot into the mix at first. He has served exclusively as a DH since returning from his own IL stint.
To clear roster space for Semien, the Mets designated infielder Zack Short for assignment for the second time this season.