PORT ST. LUCIE — After a stint playing winter ball last month, Starling Marte is confident in his health and ability to play right field every day for the Mets.
Marte, 35, missed most of the final two months of last season with a right groin strain, placing him as a question mark heading into the offseason.
But Marte, who underwent double groin surgery the previous winter, has arrived at camp invigorated.
Marte said he told team officials he wanted to play in the Dominican Republic over the winter to show he was ready.
“I know that I am good [physically],” Marte said Sunday.
It’s possible the Mets will include him in the DH mix this season, but Marte said his preference is to play right field.
Last season he appeared in only 86 games and posted a .248/.301/.324 slash line with five homers and 28 RBIs. Marte, who also dealt with migraine headaches last summer that led to an IL stint, is halfway through his four-year contract with the club worth $78 million.
“Especially after watching him play in the Dominican … it was good to see him moving around,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “For him to get through every game — and playing back-to-back games was important. He is going to be a big piece of what we’re trying to do.”
Marte is still viewed as a full-time right fielder, according to Mendoza.
“This guy is special, he can impact the game and help you win in a lot of different ways,” Mendoza said. “Whether it’s on defense, base running, offensively, he brings a lot to the table. If he’s back to being the player we know he can be, it’s a big weapon for us.”
Mendoza will address the team before Monday’s initial full-squad workout.
The rookie manager spoke to the pitchers and catchers last week.
“It’s important to set a tone right away,” Mendoza said. “Not only the message, but how we’re going to act after the message. The follow-up is important, making sure that it’s not just one day, it’s every day when we show up here in the expectations of what we’re trying to do here. It’s not just the first day of full-squad, it’s every day.”
A former minor league manager, Mendoza said he didn’t need to seek advice on what to say.
“I am just going to be myself and be authentic,” Mendoza said. “I have done it before, not at the big-league level, but I have been in rooms like that. I am looking forward to it.”
Brandon Nimmo was bothered by a stomach ailment and departed before working out.
Mendoza is hopeful the outfielder will be available for Monday’s workout.