The Mets will have Starling Marte in the lineup for the first time since June 22nd.
They officially removed the outfielder from the injured list ahead of Sunday’s game against the Marlins and gave him the start in right field before finishing off a three-game series against NL East opponents.
In a corresponding move, the Mets designated outfielder Ben Gamel for assignment.
Marte was on the injured list with a bone contusion in his right knee.
Marte, who was batting .278 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs in 66 games this season through Sunday, will join an outfield that also includes Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, Jesse Winker and Tyrone Taylor.
J.D. Martinez is also the regular designated hitter, so it’s unclear what Marte’s role will be late in the season, as well as the roles of the players around the outfield other than Nimmo.
“He’s a big part of this team. His bat, his speed, all of that is great. Great lineup presence and obviously experience,” Mendoza told reporters Saturday before the Mets’ win over the Marlins. “He’s been in this league for a long time and had a great career, so we’ve missed him. The fact that we have a healthy Marte coming here, especially with the schedule, is going to mean a lot to our team.”
