Mets' J. D. Martinez Placed on Paternity List

Mets Slugger Welcomes New Addition to Family

Outfielder Set to Return Soon

New York Mets outfielder J. D. Martinez has been placed on the paternity list, the team announced Monday.

The move is retroactive to Saturday, and Martinez is expected to miss the Mets' next two games. He is eligible to return as early as Wednesday.

Martinez, 35, is hitting .293 with 16 home runs and 63 RBIs this season. He has been a key part of the Mets' success in 2023, helping them to a 60-41 record and a first-place tie in the NL East.

What is the paternity list?

The paternity list is a leave of absence that allows fathers to bond with their newborn children.

Under Major League Baseball's collective bargaining agreement, players are eligible for up to three days of paternity leave per calendar year.

How long will Martinez be on the paternity list?

Martinez is expected to miss the Mets' next two games, but he is eligible to return as early as Wednesday.

The Mets have not announced a specific timetable for Martinez's return, but he is likely to rejoin the team soon.

Who will replace Martinez in the Mets' lineup?

With Martinez on the paternity list, the Mets will likely turn to Mark Canha or Darin Ruf to fill his spot in the outfield.

Canha is hitting .276 with 10 home runs and 55 RBIs this season, while Ruf is hitting .279 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs.