CHICAGO — The Mets spent 1 ½ weeks with their full beginning lineup out there, however Starling Marte’s sore proper knee might depart the crew trying to fill proper subject past just some days.
Marte, who has battled discomfort within the knee in latest weeks, will bear testing Monday — together with an MRI examination — that can give Marte and the Mets a greater understanding of the state of affairs.
Marte was absent from Sunday’s beginning lineup in opposition to the Cubs, a day after departing within the second inning with the knee barking.
One Mets teammate on Sunday referred to as for Marte to relaxation till he’s wholesome.
“On the finish of the day that is for the long term and an extended season and also you need to be wholesome going ahead as a substitute of continually grinding by way of at-bats and grinding by way of the day,” J.D. Martinez instructed The Submit earlier than the sport at Wrigley Discipline. “I’ve been there earlier than. It’s not enjoyable when you find yourself not wholesome and sort of grinding by way of. I believe for [Marte’s] sake and for the crew’s sake, get it rested.”
The Mets have had their full beginning lineup energetic since Francisco Alvarez’s return from the injured record on June 11.
The catcher missed seven weeks rehabbing from surgical procedure to restore a torn thumb ligament.
Aside from Alvarez, the Mets have been comparatively lucky so far in conserving their starters off the injured record.
Supervisor Carlos Mendoza has performed it cautiously with Marte, constructing in off days for the 35-year-old outfielder to guard his legs.
Most notably, Mendoza has taken that method when the Mets have performed on synthetic turf in Miami, London and Texas in latest weeks.
Requested if there is perhaps any worth to inserting Marte on the IL to relaxation the knee whatever the check outcomes, Mendoza mentioned the crew will first wait to see what the MRI examination reveals.
“We don’t need to choose too quickly right here,” Mendoza mentioned. “We need to be sure that we check out him and see what we’re coping with after which we’ll decide shifting ahead.”
DJ Stewart began in Marte’s place on Sunday and the Mets have Tyrone Taylor as one other choice to play the outfield.
Trayce Thompson and Ben Gamel are outfielders at Triple-A Syracuse with main league expertise.
Jeff McNeil can also play the outfield and remains to be an choice to be utilized in that position, in keeping with Mendoza.
Marte missed a lot of the closing two months of final season coping with groin discomfort.
He additionally had an IL stint attributable to migraine complications.
However he’s managed to stay within the lineup this season.
In 66 video games he owns a .278/.328/.416 slash line with seven homers, 30 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.
Although he’s been a stable contributor offensively, Marte’s protection has lagged, and it’s been noticeable.
“He’s very gifted and he can do all of it — he’s a great defender when he’s wholesome,” Martinez mentioned. “He throws the ball effectively and he’s simply been a great hitter. He offers you productive at-bats so he’s necessary.
“I’ve been in that place the place you need to play and also you simply can’t get wholesome. Naturally it sucks as a result of you’ll be able to’t get your timing and you’re in there and never productive as you need to be. It’s nearly higher for me that you just get it fastened and get wholesome.”
