The Mets are hoping Starling Marte has a bounce-back season in 2024 after an injury-plagued season in 2023.
If Saturday night's Dominican Republic Baseball League (LIDOM) game is any indication, he's off to a good start.
The 35-year-old Marte, a 2022 All-Star, showed last season's groin injury is behind him.
First, the Mets' veteran outfielder, who plays for Leones del Escogido, singled in the fifth inning and reached third base in his next at-bat when the pitcher made a throwing error while trying to start a double play at second base.
After this bit of luck, he scored on a wild pitch in his next at-bat, leading Escogido to a 7-6 victory over Gigantes del Cibao.
The Dominican Republic native bunted down the third base line in the sixth inning, leaving first base safe.
Marte's season with the Mets ended abruptly in September when he was placed on the disabled list following offseason double groin surgery that had bothered him all season.
He even missed some time due to a migraine.
He had a season where his hitting numbers decreased, his speed significantly decreased, and his defense was poor.
Marte played in just 86 games last season, hitting .248 with five home runs and 28 RBIs.
Marte stole 24 bases in 28 attempts in 2023, a far cry from his .292 batting average, 16 home runs, and 63 RBIs in his All-Star season with the Mets.
After seeing the doctor who performed the surgery in November of the previous year, receiving injections, and thoroughly rehabbing the injury, Marte was scheduled to return to the field at the end of the season.
However, complications from his rehabilitation forced him to miss the remainder of the season.
Former Mets manager Buck Showalter said in September that Marte's health was improving and the team expected him to return soon.
“He has shown very good groin and core strength, sprint speed, and hitting metrics that are back to baseline,'' Showalter said on September 27. “He continues to be healthy.'' I am confident that we will be able to acquire a great player.”
