New York Mets could get key lineup piece back for Braves series

The New York Mets are getting healthier on the pitching front. Now it appears they could be getting a piece of their lineup back just in time for a huge upcoming series with the Atlanta Braves that could decide the National League East title.

According to reports, New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte is hoping to continue his comeback from a fractured right middle finger by beginning a hitting and throwing regimen as soon as Wednesday. If that timeline happens and Marte doesn’t suffer a setback, the 33-year-old is said to be optimistic that he can be back on the field in time for the Mets-Braves series, which begins in Atlanta on September 30.

What Starling Marte’s return could mean for the New York Mets

Marte was hit by a 96 mph fastball from Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller on September 6, forcing him from the game and eventually to the 10-day injured list.

Signed by the Mets in the offseason to a four-year, $78 million deal, Marte earned his second career All-Star Game appearance this season and currently sports a .292/.347/.468 slash line with 16 home runs and 63 RBI. His 3.7 bWAR ranks fifth on the Mets this season.

Marte has appeared in right field for the Mets in 116 games this season while also seeing time in center field in two contests. Marte has 502 plate appearances in 2022 while in right field, while Tyler Naquin, who has filled in for Marte in his absence, has the second-highest number for a Mets right fielder with 53, showing just how much Marte has been a centerpiece of Mets lineups before his injury.

If Marte is able to return for the Braves series, it could be a big boost for a New York team trying to make sure they win the division and aren’t forced to play in the Wild Card round.