Starling Marte and Edwin Diaz progressing in rehab

While September is about the kids in Flushing, the Mets continue to receive good news on one of their veterans. Starling Marte was back at Citi Field Saturday and is trending in the right direction during his rehab of his groin injury.

The 34-year-old received an injection in his right groin on Aug. 8 and has been on the injured list ever since. With the Mets all but out of contention for a playoff spot, they will not be rushing their veteran back as their eyes are set on 2024.

“Do I expect him to play again this year? I don’t have any expectations one way or the other, yet” manager Buck Showalter said before Saturday’s game against the Mariners. “We really like where he is. We got to get this right not only for this year but for next year.

“And we’re willing to do whatever it takes to get there.”

Marte’s underperformance this season took many by surprise after posting a .814 OPS in 2022. However, double groin surgery in the offseason followed by lingering discomfort could be pinpointed as reasoning for those struggles.

The outfielder is slashing .248/.301/.324 with five homers and 28 RBI in 86 games this season. Showalter is weighing the pros and cons of getting Marte into action before the end of this season.

“I don’t feel strongly that [Marte needs to or doesn’t need to play again],” Showalter said. “There are pros and cons to it. We’re going to do physically what’s best for them. Because regardless of what it might mean to them, if it’s not in their best interest physically, it’s a bad idea.”

EDWIN DIAZ THROWS OFF MOUND AGAIN

It’s been a long season without the Trumpets playing at Citi Field, however, Edwin Diaz was again throwing at Citi Field on Friday.

The right-hander continues to rehab a torn patellar tendon he suffered during a World Baseball Classic celebration in March. Showalter tries not to watch the 29-year-old’s bullpen sessions up close.

“I try not to go down there and stand behind him and go ‘oh, how’s that feel?’” said Showalter. “He’s a big guy with his hips and in order to do that you got to post up on that leg. Those are the things I’m looking for and the sports science people [are looking for].”

Diaz inked a five-year, $102 million contract a day after the 2022 World Series ended. The closer has not thrown a pitch under his new contract.

ROSTER MOVES

Prior to Saturday’s game, the Mets recalled right-hander Grant Hartwig and optioned Denyi Reyes to Triple-A Syracuse.

Hartwig has appeared in 19 games for the Mets this season throwing to a 4.74 ERA. The right-hander will head back to the bullpen providing more depth for Showalter.

Reyes owns a 6.23 ERA in 8 games this season. His most recent outing coming against the Texas Rangers on Aug. 30 tossing 5.1 innings allowing two run on three hits while striking out three. With Reyes heading back down to the minors, Jose Quintana will start Tuesday against the Nationals.