The New York Mets welcomed Marcus Semien back from the 10-day injured list on Thursday, making the veteran infielder available for the start of the second half. To clear a spot on the active roster, the club designated utility infielder Zack Short for assignment.
Semien returned less than a month after suffering a Grade 3 left hip flexor strain, beating the initial recovery timeline that suggested he could miss well into August. His activation gives New York an experienced everyday option at second base coming out of the All-Star break.
Before landing on the injured list, the 35-year-old appeared in 80 games and slashed .214/.271/.341 with nine home runs, 29 RBIs and six stolen bases. He also went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer during his rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton, signaling he was ready to return.
The move ends Short's latest stint with the Mets after he was promoted last Friday to provide infield depth following Mark Vientos' hand injury. With Semien healthy again, Short became the odd man out as New York trimmed its 40-man roster.
Short appeared in a reserve role during his brief stay in the majors, offering defensive versatility across the infield. The Mets will now have seven days to trade him or place him on outright or unconditional release waivers.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Semien's return arrives at an important point in the season after New York entered the All-Star break on a three-game losing streak. The veteran's presence should provide stability to an infield that has dealt with multiple injuries throughout the year.
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