Matt Kemp took a step closer to the Mets' roster on Friday, appearing in his first game for Triple-A Syracuse.
The 34-year-old veteran made his debut in the Syracuse Mets' lineup on Friday, one week after signing a minor-league deal with New York. Kemp was released by the Reds on May 4th, shortly after spending a stint on the Injured List for a broken rib.
Kemp went 1-6 with a single in the Mets' 13-4 victory over Pawtucket.
Video: Matt Kemp singles in Syracuse Mets debut
"I'm just happy to be back on the field," Kemp said before the game. "I haven't been playing ever since I broke my rib, so it's just good to get back out on the field and get my feet under me and play some baseball.
"I miss baseball. I miss playing, I miss competing. I'm just excited to get some at-bats today and try to win a game."
The Mets have had to mix and match in the outfield this season, due to injuries at separate times to Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and Yoenis Cespedes.
Veterans like Rajai Davis and Aaron Altherr have seen playing time in the outfield, and the Mets are hoping that Kemp could provide a right-handed bat and a veteran presence in the clubhouse.
"It would be great to play in New York." Kemp said. "They have a lot of great talent, a lot of young guys up there and a lot of older guys up there and there's a lot of baseball left. To contribute to a team like that and try to get back up there would be great.
"They had some injuries and they needed some more guys, so I signed with these guys and I'm going to be here in Triple-A getting my work in and get ready to get up there and help them win some games."
Also of note in the game, Tim Tebow drove in a run with an RBI single.
Video: Tim Tebow lines an RBI single