The Baltimore Orioles have claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from the New York Mets, the teams announced on Monday. The move comes just weeks after the Mets failed to trade Robert prior to the August 3 deadline and opens the possibility for him to participate in the postseason while also reducing the Mets’ payroll by approximately $5 million.

Robert, acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox in January, struggled during his time with the Mets, appearing in only 58 games and posting a .702 OPS. He dealt with a lumbar spine disc herniation that kept him on the injured list for nearly three months, continuing a pattern of injury-related absences in recent seasons. Despite those challenges, Robert showed improvement in his final month with the Mets, ending with a more promising .841 OPS and contributing six home runs.

Interim Mets manager Andy Green acknowledged Robert’s difficulties earlier in the season but praised his strong finish. “I think he closed out the chapter really well,” Green said ahead of the Mets’ 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. He noted that availability issues earlier in the year were a significant frustration.

The Mets also face continued setbacks from other offseason acquisitions. Jorge Polanco, signed with high expectations, appeared in just 37 games before undergoing season-ending ankle surgery last week. To fill the void left by Robert, the Mets activated Mark Vientos from the injured list on Monday. Vientos, who hit three home runs in a recent minor league rehab game, started the day’s game as the designated hitter.

Additionally, right-hander Justin Hagenman is set to return from injury for the Wednesday series finale. Having been sidelined since spring training with a rib fracture, Hagenman will bolster the rotation and provide added rest for Christian Scott as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery. “We’re pretty committed to ensuring he doesn’t pitch on four days’ rest for the remainder of the season,” Green said.

Meanwhile, outfielder Juan Soto, recently returned from a calf strain, was benched on Monday after two consecutive starts as he struck out in a ninth-inning pinch-hit appearance. Green indicated that Soto will likely be used primarily as a designated hitter during this series against the Rays, who play on artificial turf.