Mets Make Marcus Semien Announcement Before Phillies Game

The New York Mets are getting a veteran infielder back from the injured list to begin the second half of the 2026 MLB season.

Prior to Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets announced that they reinstated second baseman Marcus Semien from the 10-day IL and designated infielder Zack Short for assignment.

Semien, 35, had been on the IL since June 25 with a left hip flexor strain. The veteran second baseman attempted to play through the injury for several weeks until the pain forced him onto the shelf in late June.

Before going on the IL, Semien struggled with a .214/.271/.341 slash line, .612 OPS, nine home runs and 29 RBI in 80 games.

Semien, who won a Gold Glove award at second base last season, has been rough in the field as well. He is currently tied for second-to-last in baseball with -5 Outs Above Average among second basemen.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns acquired Semien from the Texas Rangers for left fielder Brandon Nimmo in the offseason. While the trade of Nimmo cleared room in the Mets' outfield for exciting youngsters Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing, the acquisition of Semien has been a disaster overall.

Stearns brought in Semien to help with "run prevention," which was the Mets' offseason blueprint. But his defense has been abysmal and his bat has continued its steady decline after an impressive career at the plate.

The Mets went into the All-Star break with a 40-57 record, the furthest they've been under .500 at the break since 1995.

With little to no hope of turning things around this season, the Mets are destined to be sellers at the August 3 MLB trade deadline in a few weeks.

Unfortunately, they won't be able to move Semien to another team given his massive contract. Semien is making $26 million this year and is owed $46 million across the next two seasons combined.