Mets' Starling Marte: Making spring debut in outfield
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Marte is making his first start in the outfield this spring Friday, handling right field in the Mets' game versus the Cardinals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.
Marte's first six contests this spring all came at designated hitter as he eased into things following his recovery from a bone bruise in his right knee, but he's now ready to roam the outfield. The 36-year-old is expected to serve in a short-side platoon role at designated hitter this season but should see the occasional start in the outfield, as well.
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Mets' Starling Marte: Feels strong in spring debut
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Marte was pleased with the way his knee responded while running the bases during Monday's exhibition against the Cardinals, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Marte slotted in as the team's designated hitter Monday and expects to progress to outfield play at some point over the next few days as the club eases him back into action. The 36-year-old laced a double during the second inning and said he had no trouble reaching second base and even thought about trying for third, per Feinsand. It'll be worth keeping an eye on how he handles the field later in the week, but all signs point to Marte being a full go for Opening Day.
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Mets' Starling Marte: Getting first spring start at DH
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Marte (knee) will serve as the Mets' designated hitter and No. 6 batter in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.
Marte will be making his spring debut Monday after a lingering bone bruise in his right knee prompted the Mets to take it slow with him during camp. Though the 36-year-old will join the lineup in a non-defensive role, he's expected to resume seeing action in the outfield in the coming days, which should clear up any concern about his status heading into Opening Day. Marte has been a regular for most of his first three seasons in New York, but he'll likely be headed for more of a short-side platoon role in 2025 as the Mets aim to preserve his health for the long haul while opening up more opportunities against right-handed pitching for the lefty-hitting Jesse Winker.
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Mets' Starling Marte: No worries for Opening Day
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Marte (knee) has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game, but the Mets aren't overly concerned about his availability for Opening Day, Tim Britton and Will Sammon of The Athletic report. "Basically, I've played through pain my entire career. I'm used to it. I'll keep doing it," Marte said earlier in camp.
The Mets haven't yet provided a specific date for the 36-year-old to see his first game action this spring, but Marte has been taking part in fielding drills and batting practice. While he was able to suit up for only 94 regular-season games in 2024, plus six more in the playoffs, Marte's numbers rebounded somewhat from a brutal 2023. He's ticketed for a short-side platoon role at DH and in the outfield corners this season, but with Brandon Nimmo also now dealing with a knee issue, there could be more at-bats available than expected for Marte early in the campaign.
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Mets' Starling Marte: First spring game coming soon
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Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday that Marte (knee) should get into games in "the next few days," Tim Healey of Newsday reports.
It's yet to be determined whether it will come in a Grapefruit League contest or a minor-league game, but either way it's a good sign for Marte's progression from right knee soreness. The veteran outfielder has been battling soreness in his right knee off and on since at least last summer. Marte is expected to be ready for Opening Day and is projected to serve in a short-side platoon at designated hitter.
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Mets' Starling Marte: Spring debut delayed by knee
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Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday that Marte (knee) will begin taking live batting practice in early March, but the veteran outfielder doesn't have a target date for playing in Grapefruit League games, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.
Though the Mets reportedly dangled Marte in trade talks during the offseason, he's poised to stick around in New York for a fourth season. However, Marte may have to settle for a lesser role than he's handled in the past. Over the past two seasons, Marte has submitted a .258/.314/.357 slash line (90 wRC+) over 711 plate appearances, with injuries costing him significant time and hindering his overall production when he's been healthy enough to play. While Marte was available during the Mets' playoff run last fall, DiComo notes that he's been battling soreness in his right knee off and on since at least last summer. In an effort to preserve Marte's health heading into the start of the season, the Mets have been easing the 36-year-old along slowly during spring training, with Mendoza noting that Marte has had "some good days, some not so good," during his running progression, per Tim Healey of Newsday. The expectation remains that Marte will be ready to go for Opening Day, despite lacking a clear timeline for his Grapefruit League debut.
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Mets' Starling Marte: Set for short-side platoon role
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Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Saturday that Marte will platoon with Jesse Winker at DH this season, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.
The right-handed-hitting Marte will end up on the short side of the platoon, but Mendoza added that the 36-year-old could make an occasional start in the outfield to keep him in the lineup as much as possible. Marte logged 113 regular-season plate appearances against southpaws last season, slashing .310/.384/.460 with two home runs and 12 RBI.
Marte is not in the lineup for the first game of Monday's doubleheader against Atlanta, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.
Marte is in a 1-for-15 mini-slump over his last five games and has not homered since June 12. He will yield to Tyrone Taylor in right field for the first contest, with Harrison Bader patrolling center field.
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Mets' Starling Marte: Resting Friday
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Marte is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Brewers.
After making four straight starts, Marte will take a seat for Friday's series opener in Milwaukee. Jesse Winker will fill right field while J.D. Martinez plays DH.
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