The Mets and Starling Marte seemingly avoided the worst possible outcome after the star outfielder was involved in a horrible collision on the base paths during Sunday’s game against the Marlins.
After hitting a one-out double in the home half of the first inning, Marte stole third base. Though, unfortunately for the 34-year-old Marte, he hit his head/neck area on the knee of Marlins’ third baseman Jean Segura. Marte went down in a heap of pain, holding his head.
Starling Marte exits the Mets’ game after hitting his head on a knee while sliding. ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/D8go3GGiAU
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 9, 2023
After about a five-minute delay, the Mets allowed Marte to stay in the game and run the bases, but he was eventually subbed out as the defense took the field in the top of the second. The Mets later announced that Marte was removed from Sunday’s game with a neck strain and is considered day-to-day.
New York was likely being cautious with Marte, being that it’s the 10th game of a 162-game schedule and that he was hit in the head with a pitch during spring training not even a month ago. In nine games this season, Marte has hit .303/.378/.485 with a .863 OPS, a home run, and two RBI. He’s also stolen four bases, including the one that led to his early exit on Sunday.
In 2022, Marte hit .292, made the All-Star team, and collected an OPS of .814.
[New York Mets, SNY]