New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien took the next step toward returning from a left hip flexor strain by beginning a minor league rehab assignment Sunday.
Semien joined Double-A Binghamton for its series finale against the Hartford Yard Goats for his first action since June 24, one day before the Mets placed him on the 10-day injured list.
Batting second for the Rumble Ponies, one spot behind Luis Robert Jr. in the order, Semien struck out in his first at-bat before rifling a single to left in his second plate appearance.
The 35-year-old has appeared in 80 games during his first season in New York, batting .214 with nine home runs, 29 RBIs and six stolen bases. The Mets acquired him from the Texas Rangers in November in a trade that sent outfielder Brandon Nimmo to Texas.
Sunday’s appearance should give the Mets a better idea of how close Semien is to rejoining their lineup. The team has not announced how many rehab games he might need before being activated.
Semien, in his 14th major league season, owns a .252 career average with 262 home runs and 830 RBIs in 1,709 games with the Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Rangers and Mets. He is a three-time All-Star as well as a two-time winner of both Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. He also helped Texas win the 2023 World Series, recording a hit in all five games against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
