ST. LOUIS — The Mets might have a better idea on Starling Marte’s status on Monday, when the outfielder is scheduled to receive a second opinion on the right groin strain that has kept him sidelined for the last two weeks.
Marte is “progressing,” according to manager Buck Showalter, but would like another evaluation of the groin.
Marte, who has struggled offensively and defensively this season, underwent surgery on both groins in November.
“It’s been a tough go for him and for us without him,” Showalter said before the Mets’ 7-3 loss to the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. “He was a big part of our club and he’s shown some flashes this year that reminded us what he meant to us, but I would love for him to come back and finish the year strong and make everybody positive about what is going on in the offseason or we just identify the things … to get him back here. We all get a year older and that requires staying on top of things. We all don’t heal the same way sometimes.”
Marte, 34, owns a .248/.301/.324 slash line with five homers and 28 RBIs in 341 plate appearances.
After the season he will be halfway through the four-year-contract worth $78 million he received from the club.
Rafael Ortega is quietly impressing team officials with his steady play in the outfield and lineup.
“He is starting to build some trust,” Showalter said. “You look down the bench he’s ready to run, ready to hit and ready to defend. This is a guy trying to make an impression for next year and who knows what the job description is?”
On Sunday his sliding catch on Jordan Walker’s line drive to center field left an impression as did his hustle to score on Jonathan Arauz’s single in the third inning.
Ortega was running from first base on the play and slid across the plate safely.
Ortega, 32, has played for five other teams in his seven-year major league career.
“He is treating every at-bat like the seventh game of the World Series,” Showalter said. “I have been impressed as we’ve gone on, he’s kind of caught your eye more and more. There’s a reason teams have wanted him around.”
The Mets recalled reliever Reed Garrett from Triple-A Syracuse before the game and optioned Vinny Nittoli. The right-hander Garrett pitched 1 ²/₃ scoreless innings