Mets' Bader 'bothered' by lack of playing time
New York Mets outfielder Harrison Bader is growing frustrated with his diminished role in his first season with the club.
"I don't handle it well, I can tell you that," Bader said Tuesday, per the New York Post's Mike Puma. "But I certainly don't let it affect the way I prepare, the way I keep focused when I do get an opportunity to go in there and play, even if it's later in the game. If anything, it lights more of a fire under my ass. I'm bothered by it for sure."
Bader signed a one-year, $10-million contract in the offseason. The 29-year-old has started 26 of New York's 36 games in 2024. He owns a .280/.314/.340 slash line with one home run, seven RBIs, and five stolen bases over 105 plate appearances.
The Mets have Brandon Nimmo and Starling Marte entrenched in center and right field, respectively. Manager Carlos Mendoza has also utilized DJ Stewart and Tyrone Taylor in the outfield at various points this season.
"I want to win, but I want to play," Bader said. "We all want to play, but it's hard. We have got a lot of guys, and I respect the position that everyone is in. … I don't know who makes the lineup, but whatever we have got going on, I respect that position."
Bader is in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, batting seventh and playing center field.