Port St. Lucy – The Mets' new star right fielder was home again on Friday night.
Three years ago, the role was from Sterling Marte, who signed a four-year, $78 million free agent contract and played out early in the contract before the injured person hit him.
Now, after he appears to have left Queens on the post-signed trade and signed a new deal with Jesse Winker, Marte is stuck with the Mets.
And Marte's batting could increase, at least early in the season, as Brandon Nemo still deals with his own right knee pain that could expand into the regular season.
If Nemo is unable to play or play in the outfield, he may push turn signals and Marte into the field more frequently.
Marte continues to be OK with his diminished role. This seemed likely to limit him to DH against left-handed pitchers.
On Friday, Marte served his third DH in five days as his third DH since returning from pain in his right knee.
He has looked good so far.
“I am willing to do and willing to do whatever the team needs to do,” Marte said through an interpreter. “As a player, you can only control what you're doing on the field and I want to do my best.”
Marte's best has yet to be seen at this point as he has been battling injuries during his tenure with the Mets.
And he hasn't approached the productions he had early in his career.
Asked if he believes he can return to that type of player, Marte said. Sometimes you try to do more, try to do things on a previous level, and for that you reduce it. Sometimes I have to read the game situation and do my job. ”
Marte also managed to run the base well on Wednesday and was not affected negatively, but this was positive.
“It feels good, but I have to work and continue to receive treatment so I can show you what I can do when I get the opportunity,” Marte said. “It's difficult to deal with injuries and I'm not playing at a level that I know I can play. But I'm grateful to have the opportunity to play the game.”
