The New York Mets welcomed a crucial piece back to their lineup as they activated veteran outfielder Starling Marte from the injured list on Sunday. Marte, who has been absent for nearly two months due to a bone bruise in his right knee, is expected to bring a much-needed boost to the Mets’ postseason hopes.
Marte is set to bat fifth and take his place in right field, re-energizing a Mets team that is fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Before his injury, Marte played in 66 games, posting a solid .278/.328/.416 slash line. His contributions included seven home runs, 30 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases, all of which were successful attempts. Despite his absence, Marte has been valued at an estimated 0.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), highlighting his impact on the field.
To make room for Marte's return, the Mets designated outfielder Ben Gamel for assignment. Gamel, who made 18 appearances for the team, struggled at the plate, hitting just .217/.400/.261 with one RBI and a stolen base. The club has a week to place Gamel on outright or release waivers. With over six years of major-league service time, Gamel can reject any outright assignment, making him a likely candidate for free agency.
In Marte's absence, the Mets have relied on a combination of Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, and trade-acquisition Jesse Winker in the outfield. Winker has been a valuable addition, batting .289/.319/.333 with two extra-base hits in his 14 games with the Mets. Earlier this season, Winker slashed .257/.374/.419 in 101 games with the Nationals, earning a notable 128 OPS+.
Currently holding a 64-59 record, the Mets find themselves nine games back in the National League East. However, they are tantalizingly close to securing a playoff berth, with just one game separating them from the third and final NL wild-card spot. The return of Marte comes at a crucial juncture in the season, as the Mets prepare to build momentum and improve their position in the wildcard race.
Managerial decisions, player performances, and health will all play pivotal roles as the season winds down. For Mets fans, the return of Starling Marte offers renewed hope and a sense of urgency as they aim to make a strong push toward the postseason. After their series finale against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, the Mets will host the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game set starting Monday. As they face divisional rivals and formidable opponents in the wild-card race, every game becomes essential.
Marte’s return is more than a statistical boost; it is a morale lift for a team and fanbase in desperate need of one. His speed, power, and veteran presence will be vital for a Mets club aiming to make a deep run in October. As the clock ticks down on the regular season, all eyes will be on New York, waiting to see if Marte's return can galvanize his team at this critical moment.