Mets players back Andy Green after interim tag removed

Marcus Semien and Francisco Lindor endorsed the club's decision to make Andy Green the full-time manager ahead of Tuesday's series opener with the Rangers.

The New York Mets removed the interim label from Andy Green, naming him the 26th manager in franchise history. The announcement came before Tuesday's series opener against the Texas Rangers, and the clubhouse welcomed the news.

Second baseman Marcus Semien said the move was popular among players and credited Green with improving the team since he took over for Carlos Mendoza. The Mets went 37-38 under Green entering Tuesday, including a 31-28 mark since the All-Star break.

Semien described Green as direct in his communication, saying players respond well to his honesty and want to play hard for him. Shortstop Francisco Lindor called the hiring a wise decision, noting Green has been a familiar presence in the clubhouse for a couple of years and adding that the team can now enter the offseason without uncertainty about its leadership.

Lindor also said Green brings a mix of joy and accountability, able both to challenge players and praise them. President of baseball operations David Stearns said continuity drove the decision, calling Green the right voice for the job and saying players would benefit from knowing the leadership picture heading into next season.