DJ Stewart is hardly a prototypical leadoff hitter, but an unorthodox look certainly didnt hurt the Mets on Sunday. at least at the start after leaving the previous game with an intercostal irritation, manager Carlos Mendoza went with the slugger Stewart at leadoff for the series finale against the Braves. Stewart reached base three times (two singles and a walk) in four plate appearances before Nimmo replaced him as a pinch runner in the seventh inning. DJ Stewart hits a single during the Mets win over the Braves on May 12, 2024. Robert Sabo for NY Post Nimmos walkoff two-run homer in the ninth against Paul Eboua Jersey A.J. Minter allowed the . Stewart batted leadoff early in spring training before Nimmo began playing in games but previously hadnt hit in that spot since his high school days. This is a guy that is going to control the strike zone, Mendoza said before the game. He gets on base and will do damage. Im just trying to mix some things up with a lot of the lefties. Explore More Stewart entered play with a .185/.372/.415 slash line with four homers and 16 RBIs in 65 at-bats this season. Mendoza indicated he also considered Francisco Lindor, Starling Marte and Jeff McNeil for that spot. Shintaro Fujinami has been sidelined at Triple-A Syracuse with a shoulder ailment. The right-handed reliever has appeared in nine games this season for Syracuse and pitched to a 14.09 ERA. Fujinami, who arrived over the winter on a one-year contract worth $3.35 million, last pitched on May 3. Drew Smith is under consideration for a return from the injured list after appearing in his second rehab game Saturday for Syracuse. The right-hander has spent the last three weeks rehabbing from right shoulder sorene s. Everything is trending in the right direction, Mendoza said. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Reed Garrett struck out three in two innings of work. The right-hander has 35 strikeouts to lead all MLB relievers. His six games with three or more strikeouts this season are the second-most in the major leagues for a reliever behind Oaklands Mason Miller (seven). Reed Garrett reacts during the Mets win over the Braves on May 12, 2024. Robert Sabo for NY Post Max Kranick cleared waivers and was outrighted to Syracuse. The right-hander was designated for a signment on Monday. The Mets entered play with a 2.80 ERA at home, which ranked first in the National League and third-best in MLB. Jimmy Butler Jersey