Mets’ Starling Marte Out of Lineup Against Phillies

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Starling Marte is out of the starting lineup for the New York Mets on Wednesday as they face the Philadelphia Phillies. The decision comes as Marte will be sitting against a right-handed pitcher.

Replacing Marte as designated hitter will be Jesse Winker, who is set to bat sixth in the lineup. The Mets are looking to bounce back after a disappointing spell and hope Winker can contribute positively.

Marte, signed by the Mets in free agency in December 2021 for four years and $78 million, has been counted on to help lead the team beyond its five-year postseason drought. Despite being 33 years old, Marte has shown no signs of decline, as evidenced by a strong performance last season. He played 120 games, hitting 12 home runs and collecting 55 RBIs, with a .310 batting average.

The Mets’ management thinks Marte’s abilities at the plate and on the basepaths can solve past offensive issues. Previously, the Mets struggled with getting on base, finishing tied for the seventh-lowest batting average in the league. Marte’s career highlights include being a consistent on-base threat, shown by his impressive .383 on-base percentage from the last season.

Moreover, Marte also brings speed to the roster. He has recorded the second-most stolen bases in the league since 2013. In 2021, he led with 47 stolen bases, a stark contrast to the Mets’ combined performance of just 54 stolen bases.

While Marte’s absence may seem a setback for the Mets, his overall prowess is expected to bolster the team’s performance this season as they aim for increased offensive production.