Fansided

5 reasons the New York Mets can’t afford to lose the National League East

By Kevin Henry

Sep 25, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; New York Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar (10) reacts after hitting an RBI single against the Oakland Athletics during the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; New York Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar (10) reacts after hitting an RBI single against the Oakland Athletics during the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 20: Starling Marte #6 of the New York Mets in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during game two of a double header at Citizens Bank Park on August 20, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 20: Starling Marte #6 of the New York Mets in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during game two of a double header at Citizens Bank Park on August 20, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

3. Starling Marte’s health

After being hit by a pitch on September 6 and registering just one at-bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Starling Marte has been on the 10-day injured list with a fractured right middle finger. The big question for the Mets is now when Marte will be ready to come back from the injury.

According to the Mets, the 33-year-old Marte underwent a CT scan on his injured finger, and the scan showed healing was taking place. Marte has recently been hitting and throwing and will continue baseball activities as tolerated, according to team officials.

There is a chance that Marte will return for the pivotal weekend series against the Braves, giving New York an additional boost in the lineup. New York’s primary right fielder has slashed .292/.347/.468 in 505 plate appearances this season, and his 3.7 bWAR ranks fifth among New York’s position players.

If the Mets are able to avoid the Wild Card round, it gives Marte additional time to heal and be back to 100 percent before meaningful October baseball begins. The New York lineup would be back to full strength for whichever opponent the Mets draw in the NLCS, and that’s all any team can hope for when the postseason begins.

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