Markieff Morris Jersey PITTSBURGH J.D. Martinez is quick to acknowledge he isnt a kid any longer. Manager Carlos Mendoza has been careful to avoid overextending the 36-year-old DH, and Monday was one of those days it was decided Martinez could use a rest. Martinez said his preference when he knows a day off is approaching is to sit for a day game. All these day games, its a little bit tougher every time when you get older, Martinez said Monday after the Mets in a third straight day game at PNC Park. Its one of those things where Carlos wants to I dont want to say protect me, but I am not in my 20s anymore. Its just one of those things we talked about when I first got here. J.D. Martinez, pictured earlier this month, wasnt in the Mets lineup during their lo s Monday. USA TODAY Sports The Mets decided that J.D. Martinez (r.) could use Monday as a rest day. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con Francisco Alvarez started at DH in Martinezs place. After a torrid June, Martinez has begun this month with a whimper. He owns a .606 OPS in five games and has gone hitle s in his past 13 at-bats. Explore More J.D. Martinez has gone hitle s in his last 13 at-bats for the Mets. Getty Images Martinez noted that the Mets have played four day games in their past five. The stretch began with an 11:05 a.m. first pitch in Washington on July 4. I feel the older you get you dont have that twitch and it takes you a little bit longer to wake up in the mornings, Martinez said. Its just one of those things [but] we have all these games at home coming up now. The Mets will play six straight at Citi Field against the Nationals and Rockies to finish the first half (three are scheduled day games) and Martinez said he expects to be in the starting lineup for all of them. 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! Sean Reid-Foley has begun playing catch, according to Mendoza, but its too soon to put a timetable on his po sible return. But Mendoza indicated it is unlikely the right-hander will be ready to return right after the All-Star break. Reid-Foley has been sidelined for the past 2 weeks with a right shoulder impingement. Keith Loneker Jr. Jersey