Starling Marte was placed on the disabled list after undergoing an MRI on Monday for right knee soreness.
The Mets outfielder was diagnosed with bone inflammation in his knee and was ordered to rest for 15 days, according to a source.
Marte left Saturday’s game against the Cubs early due to illness and was on the bench the next day.
The 35-year-old Marte has been a productive member of the Mets’ lineup but has struggled defensively this season, with a knee injury likely being a major factor.
Marte revealed that he had been feeling pain in his knee for several weeks.
Marte has played in 66 games this season, batting .278/.328/.416 with seven home runs, 30 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.
Last year, he was plagued by migraines and groin discomfort that caused him to miss most of the second half of the season.
With Marte out, the Mets will have to decide how to fill his roster spot and the hole in right field.
In the past two games, the team has used DJ Stewart and Tyrone Taylor in right field.
Potential roster spots at Triple-A Syracuse include Trayce Thompson and Ben Gamel, both of whom have major league experience.
The Mets also have Brett Batty (training at Syracuse as a second baseman) and could deploy Jeff McNeil in right field.
The Mets are not allowed to use Marte’s roster spot for another pitcher because Edwin Diaz is serving a 10-game suspension for violating MLB’s sticky substances rules (Diaz can appeal the suspension), and Diaz will still count toward the 13-pitcher maximum.
