NEW YORK – The Mets have seen enough from outfielder Starling Marte (knee) to declare him ready for a return.
Before Saturday’s game against the Marlins at Citi Field, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Marte is expected to be activated from the injured list on Sunday.
“If he feels good and is ready, there’s a good chance he’ll be activated tomorrow,” Mendoza said.
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The 35-year-old outfielder was suspended on June 25 due to discomfort in his right knee. A further examination revealed that Marte had a bone bruise on his knee.
He began a minor league rehab assignment on August 7, playing six games in three different leagues, batting 4-for-18 (.222 batting average) and had an OPS of .694, including two extra-base hits, two RBIs and a stolen base.
“He’s an important part of this ball club. He’ll always be there, but I also have to keep an eye on his playing time,” Mendoza said.
There are indications that Marte will not be subject to any restrictions, but he and his manager are expected to be in constant contact with Mendoza and give him a day off here and there.
That means Marte will play against both right- and left-handed hitters and will play in the field. The DH position will also be available to him, Mendoza says.
“It depends. JD (Martinez) might need a day, and if I have a good feeling about the matchup, he might get a DH day,” Mendoza said. “But I would also expect him to play in the outfield. Again, I talk to him after every day, make sure he’s OK, and don’t get too crazy with him.”
Before his injury, Marte had a good chance of being named NL Comeback Player of the Year. In 66 games this season, Marte posted a batting average of .278/.328/.416 with seven home runs and 12 of 12 attempts to steal bases.
In the 16 games before his injury, he hit 20-for-57 (.351 batting average) and had an OPS of .922, including five extra-base hits (a pair each of doubles and triples and a home run) with 11 RBIs and four stolen bases.
This represents an improvement over last season, when he played despite a groin injury and debilitating migraines.
Marte was optimistic at the start of the season, saying he was ready to play 170 games if needed, and after a short bereavement leave and without a multi-month stay on the injured list, he’ll be lucky if he can play 120 games in 2024.
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You can reach Manny Gómez at [email protected].
