In a notable shift for the New York Mets, veteran outfielder Starling Marte was activated from the injured list on Sunday, a move that brings fresh energy and depth to a team striving for a wildcard spot in the National League. Marte, who has been out of action for nearly two months due to a bone bruise in his right knee, is expected to fill the fifth spot in the batting order and play right field.
Prior to his injury, Marte had participated in 66 games, showcasing a solid performance with a .278/.328/.416 slash line. His contributions included seven home runs, 30 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases, all of which were successful attempts, underscoring his value on the base paths. His performance was valued at an estimated 0.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a metric that highlights his overall contribution to the team's success.
To accommodate Marte's return, the Mets designated outfielder Ben Gamel for assignment. Gamel, who made 18 appearances for the team, recorded a .217/.400/.261 slash line with one RBI and a stolen base. The organization now has a week to decide whether to place Gamel on outright or release waivers. Given his more than six years of major-league service time, Gamel has the option to reject any outright assignment, potentially making him a free agent.
In recent weeks, the Mets have depended on a combination of Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, and trade-acquisition Jesse Winker to cover the outfield positions. Winker, who joined the Mets mid-season, has managed a .289/.319/.333 slash line with two extra-base hits in his 14 games with the team. Earlier in the season, Winker played 101 games with the Nationals, achieving a .257/.374/.419 slash line and earning a commendable 128 OPS+.
As of Sunday, the Mets hold a 64-59 record and trail by nine games in the National League East. However, the team's recent form and strategic adjustments keep them just a single game back in the race for the third and final NL wild-card spot. With the season reaching its critical phase, the Mets' next challenge will be against the Miami Marlins, followed by a three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles starting Monday.
The return of Starling Marte brings renewed hope and a sense of urgency among Mets fans. His presence not only strengthens the lineup but also provides a much-needed boost to the outfield defense. As the Mets gear up to face divisional rivals and other formidable opponents in their wildcard quest, every managerial decision, player performance, and health update will be of paramount importance. The objective remains clear: to build momentum and secure their place in the postseason, making these remaining games crucial for Marte and the entire roster.