The New York Mets activated veteran outfielder Starling Marte from the injured list on Sunday, a move that could provide a significant boost as they aim for a postseason berth. Marte, who has been absent for nearly two months due to a bone bruise in his right knee, is slated to bat fifth and play right field upon his return.
Prior to his injury, Marte had played in 66 games, posting a respectable .278/.328/.416 slash line. He contributed seven home runs, drove in 30 runs, and stole 12 bases without being caught. His overall performance had been valued at an estimated 0.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), underlining his importance to the team.
In a corresponding roster move, the Mets designated outfielder Ben Gamel for assignment to clear space for Marte. Gamel, who made 18 appearances for the Mets, was hitting .217/.400/.261 with one RBI and a stolen base. The club has a week to place Gamel on outright or release waivers, and with more than six years of major-league service time, he has the option to reject any outright assignment, potentially making him a free agent.
Reinforcing the Outfield
The Mets' outfield has been a patchwork in Marte’s absence, with the team relying on a combination of Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, and trade-acquisition Jesse Winker. Winker, in particular, has shown promise; he has batted .289/.319/.333 with two extra-base hits in his 14 games with the Mets. Earlier in the season, Winker slashed .257/.374/.419 with the Nationals over 101 games, earning a 128 OPS+.
The return of Marte comes at a crucial moment for the Mets, who currently hold a 64-59 record. They are nine games back in the National League East but are just a single game back in the hunt for the third and final NL wild-card spot. After wrapping up their series finale against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, the Mets will host the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game set starting Monday.
A Playoff Push
With the season winding down, managerial decisions, player performances, and health will all play crucial roles in the Mets’ pursuit of a playoff spot. The team will face divisional rivals and formidable opponents in the wild-card race, making every game increasingly important.
For Mets fans, the return of Starling Marte offers renewed hope and a sense of urgency. A healthy Marte can provide both offensive firepower and defensive stability, qualities that might tip the scales in tight games down the stretch. The Mets will need contributions from all corners of their roster, but Marte's reintegration into the lineup could be the catalyst they need to build momentum and improve their wildcard position.
The final stretch of the season will be telling as the Mets look to reclaim their position in the standings. With a bolstered outfield and the return of a key veteran player, the team is poised to make a strong push for the playoffs.