In a much-anticipated move, the New York Mets activated veteran outfielder Starling Marte from the injured list on Sunday. Marte, who had been sidelined for nearly two months with a bone bruise in his right knee, is scheduled to bat fifth and play right field as the Mets continue their hunt for a playoff spot.
Before his injury, Marte played in 66 games, posting a respectable .278/.328/.416 slash line. His offensive contributions included seven home runs, 30 runs batted in, and 12 stolen bases—all of which were successful. His performance had been quantified at an estimated 0.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), reflecting his valuable presence both at the plate and in the field.
To make room for Marte's return, the Mets designated outfielder Ben Gamel for assignment. Gamel, who had made 18 appearances for the team, struggled with a .217/.400/.261 slash line, contributing one run batted in and one stolen base. The club now has a week to place him on outright or release waivers. Given Gamel’s more than six years of major-league service time, he holds the right to reject any outright assignment, which would make him a candidate for free agency.
Marte’s return comes at a crucial juncture for the Mets, who have been relying on a combination of Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, and trade-acquisition Jesse Winker in the outfield. Winker, who joined the team midseason, has been a reliable contributor, batting .289/.319/.333 with two extra-base hits in his 14 games with the Mets. Earlier in the season, while playing for the Nationals, Winker slashed .257/.374/.419 over 101 games, earning a strong OPS+ of 128.
The Mets, currently holding a 64-59 record, find themselves nine games back in the National League East. However, they are only a single game behind in the race for the third and final NL Wild Card spot. Every game now carries significant weight as they aim to secure a playoff berth.
As the season winds down, the Mets will depend on smart managerial decisions, key player performances, and overall team health. The return of Marte injects fresh optimism into the team’s campaign. Managerial strategies also become more critical, with decisions potentially making or breaking their playoff hopes. Marte's experience and skill are anticipated to provide a much-needed boost.
Next, the Mets will host the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game set starting Monday, immediately following their series finale against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. This upcoming series is pivotal, not only for gaining ground in the wild card race but also for building momentum as they face divisional rivals and formidable opponents down the stretch.
For Mets fans, the return of Starling Marte is a reason for renewed hope. After nearly two months on the sidelines, the veteran outfielder’s presence offers a sense of urgency and a potential game-changer in the Mets’ late-season push. With the team poised to improve their wildcard position, every game moving forward will be crucial.