Starling Marte removed from Mets lineup after knee ‘popped’ again

Big leagues

By Peter Botte

Starling Marte was removed from the Mets’ starting lineup Saturday as a precaution after the outfielder’s right knee problem aggravated.

The team’s starting right fielder, who did not appear Saturday, had also missed one game prior to the Mets’ trip to London earlier this month with the same issue.

“The knee still inflated a little again (on Friday),” said Carlos Mendoza before the The Mets beat the Padres 5-1 on Saturday. at Citi Field. “I’m not too worried, he should be available from the bench, but I decided to give him a day.”

When asked if the injury is something we need to monitor regularly, Mendoza added: “We definitely have to monitor it. You want to make sure this doesn’t turn into a long-term injury.

He felt pretty good (Friday), I think it was more after the stolen base that he felt something there.

Then after the game I checked with him and he wanted to play, but it’s one of those (things) where we’re smart and don’t try to force it.

The report today is that he is feeling much better, so that is a good sign.”

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Kodai Senga, who has not pitched this season due to a right shoulder strain, threw his third bullpen session since suffering a triceps setback last month.

Senga threw between 30 and 35 pitches, Mendoza said, with two “oops,” or simulated innings.

“He pitched about 15 or so, sat back, like it was a two-inning bullpen. He felt good, so that’s a good sign,” Mendoza said. “He’ll throw another one in the middle of next week and then hopefully we can move on to the next phase, which is facing the hitters.”

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Mendoza praised the defense behind the plate of second-year catcher Francisco Álvarez since returning from the injured list.

“His leadership. His ability to communicate to relate to all the members of the pitching staff, the coaches,” Mendoza said. “Obviously, the framing is really good, his arm can stop run games, but I think it’s just his ability to lead a pitching staff, and have the knowledge of when to make adjustments and give guys conviction. So for a guy that age (22), it’s pretty impressive.”