New York Mets All-Star Could Surprisingly Return Before Season Ends

NEW YORK - In a shocking turn of events, he could be back soon.

New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte, who has been out since August with a groin injury, could return from the injured list by the team's next home stand, per MLB.com.

Marte went through a series of baseball activities at Citi Field on Wednesday, including his first batting practice session since landing on the shelf. Manager Buck Showalter called it a very encouraging day for Marte.

According to Showalter, Marte could possibly travel with the Mets to Miami on their road trip next week. He would then head to Port St. Lucie to potentially begin a rehab assignment.

"Hope that he can get out on the field before the season's over and finish in a good frame of mind"

Buck Showalter talks about where Starling Marte stands in his recovery: pic.twitter.com/tTyGX7fTIx
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 13, 2023

Marte, 34, underwent double groin surgery in the offseason, which has affected his play all season, specifically in the speed and power department. It also landed him back on the IL last month.

While Marte's goal is to return this season, undergoing another groin surgery could be an option this winter.

The Mets are hoping this won't be the case, as Marte will be turning 35 and his groin already hampered him throughout the 2023 campaign.

Marte is in the second year of a four-year, $78 million deal that he signed with the Mets in November 2021. In his first season in Queens, he was an All-Star and major component in the Mets' lineup. But in year-two, he clearly hasn't been healthy and has struggled as a result.