On Friday, the New York Mets received significant updates regarding two key players who have been sorely missed in their lineup and rotation.
The Mets, having lost five of their last six games, are now two games behind the final Wild Card spot as they head into the weekend’s MLB games. This recent slump has been disheartening after a month in which the team had clawed its way back into playoff contention.
Despite the current struggles, there is reason for optimism. Two-time All-Star Starling Marte, who has been out since late June due to a bone bruise on his right knee, may soon return. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Marte will play a full nine-inning game for the Triple-A affiliate tonight, and if all goes well, he could be activated from the injured list by Sunday.
In addition, ace Kodai Senga, who has been sidelined for much of the season due to injuries, might start throwing again soon. After returning to New York at the end of July and then suffering a calf injury during a game against the Atlanta Braves, Senga’s chances of returning this season had seemed slim. However, team president David Stearns indicated that Senga could begin throwing from an upright position in the next week to ten days. While this won’t involve a full pitching motion, it will help maintain his arm strength, potentially allowing him to resume pitching routines once fully recovered.
With over a month and a half of baseball remaining, these developments are promising for the Mets as they vie for one of the three National League Wild Card spots.
