Mets Get Outfielder Back from IL, Put Him in Starting Lineup vs. Marlins

The New York Mets announced before Sunday's game against the Miami Marlins that outfielder Starling Marte has been activated from the injured list. Thus, he is in Sunday's starting lineup playing right field and batting fifth.

To make room for Marte on the roster, the Mets have designated outfielder Ben Gamel for assignment.

Marte's last game played was on June 22 against the Chicago Cubs. Since then, he has been sidelined due to a bruise in his right knee. He made lots of rehab appearances for different minor league levels that went on for six games. During those six games, he went four for 18 with a .222 batting average and three strikeouts. He also had one stolen base and one extra-base hit.

Before the injury, it was a bounce-back year for Marte after going through struggles in his 2023 season. This season, he is hitting .278/.329/.416 with a .745 OPS. Plus, he has stolen 12 bases without being caught.

This is a positive reinforcement for the Mets outfield and as a team looking to get in the postseason. The return of Marte also provides even more outfield depth than what the team already has. Manager Carlos Mendoza explained that they will continue rotating the use of outfielders, including Marte and Tyrone Taylor, Harrison Bader, and Jesse Winker. This will help keep Marte healthy moving forward.

As previously mentioned, Gamel was DFA'd by the Mets in the corresponding move. He played 18 games with the team this season, putting up a .661 OPS. If he clears waivers, he might end up in Triple-A Syracuse, where he has played most of this season.