Starling Marte faces a stint on the injured list following an MRI scan of his sore right knee Monday.
The Mets outfielder, according to sources, was diagnosed with bone inflammation in his knee and was told to rest for 15 days.
Marte left Saturday’s game against the Cubs early with discomfort and was on the bench a day later.
Marte, 35, has been a productive part of the Mets’ lineup, but has lagged defensively this season – with his knee perhaps being a big factor.
Marte said his knee had been bothering him for a few weeks.
Marte owns a .278/.328/.416 slash line with seven home runs, 30 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 66 games this season.
Last year, he missed most of the second half due to migraines and groin discomfort.
With Marte sidelined, the Mets will have to decide where he fits into the team and how to fill a hole in right field.
Over the last two games, the team has used a combination of DJ Stewart and Tyrone Taylor in right field.
The possibilities at Triple-A Syracuse for the roster spot include Trayce Thompson and Ben Gamel, both of whom have major league experience.
The Mets also have Brett Baty (who took reps at second base for Syracuse) and could put Jeff McNeil in right field.
With Edwin Diaz suspended 10 games for violating MLB’s sticky substances rule — he can appeal the penalty — the Mets would not be allowed to use Marte’s spot for another pitcher. Diaz, even suspended, would count toward the maximum of 13 pitchers.
New York Post
