PORT ST. LUCIE — After a stint enjoying winter ball final month, Starling Marte is assured in his well being and skill to play proper subject day-after-day for the Mets.
Marte, 35, missed a lot of the closing two months of final season with a proper groin pressure, putting him as a query mark heading into the offseason.
However Marte, who underwent double groin surgical procedure the earlier winter, has arrived at camp invigorated.
Marte mentioned he instructed staff officers he wished to play within the Dominican Republic over the winter to indicate he was prepared.
“I do know that I’m good [physically],” Marte mentioned Sunday.
It’s doable the Mets will embody him within the DH combine this season, however Marte mentioned his choice is to play proper subject.
Final season he appeared in solely 86 video games and posted a .248/.301/.324 slash line with 5 homers and 28 RBIs. Marte, who additionally handled migraine complications final summer time that led to an IL stint, is midway via his four-year contract with the membership price $78 million.
“Particularly after watching him play within the Dominican … it was good to see him shifting round,” supervisor Carlos Mendoza mentioned. “For him to get via each recreation — and enjoying back-to-back video games was vital. He’s going to be a giant piece of what we’re attempting to do.”
Marte continues to be seen as a full-time proper fielder, in keeping with Mendoza.
“This man is particular, he can impression the sport and show you how to win in a whole lot of other ways,” Mendoza mentioned. “Whether or not it’s on protection, base operating, offensively, he brings quite a bit to the desk. If he’s again to being the participant we all know he could be, it’s a giant weapon for us.”
![Starling Marte swings at Mets spring training on Feb. 17, 2024.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/2024-port-st-lucie-fl-76700110.jpg?w=1024)
Mendoza will handle the staff earlier than Monday’s preliminary full-squad exercise.
The rookie supervisor spoke to the pitchers and catchers final week.
“It’s vital to set a tone instantly,” Mendoza mentioned. “Not solely the message, however how we’re going to behave after the message. The follow-up is vital, ensuring that it’s not simply sooner or later, it’s day-after-day once we present up right here within the expectations of what we’re attempting to do right here. It’s not simply the primary day of full-squad, it’s day-after-day.”
A former minor league supervisor, Mendoza mentioned he didn’t want to hunt recommendation on what to say.
“I’m simply going to be myself and be genuine,” Mendoza mentioned. “I’ve executed it earlier than, not on the big-league degree, however I’ve been in rooms like that. I’m trying ahead to it.”
Brandon Nimmo was bothered by a abdomen ailment and departed earlier than understanding.
Mendoza is hopeful the outfielder will probably be accessible for Monday’s exercise.