New York Mets manager Buck Showalter drops cue about Starling Marte's comeback in team's lineup following muscle surgery

New York Mets fans may have something to cheer about, as manager Buck Showalter dropped a hint about Starling Marte's potential comeback to the lineup following his muscle surgery.

The news will be a relief for Mets fans who have been eagerly waiting for Marte's return to fitness after he went through core muscle surgery during the offseason. Following Showalter’s words, Mets fans can rest assured that Marte is on the path to recovery and could be back in the lineup by the start of the season.

Showalter’s statement will be music to the ears of Mets fans who have been waiting for news on Marte's progress. The manager's comments suggest that the outfielder is making good progress in his rehab and is likely to be ready for the start of the season. This is a significant boost for the Mets, who have been looking to strengthen their offense in the offseason.

Marte had an impressive first season with the Mets, even though he missed several weeks in September due to a fractured finger. He returned for the Wild Card Series following his injury and ended the season with impressive numbers. It was the second time in his career that he was named an All-Star, slashing .292/.347/.468 with .814 OPS, 16 home runs and 63 RBIs in 118 games for the Mets.

At a press conference on Tuesday (February 14) night, Showalter said:

"So far, so good. We haven’t had anything come to our attention that doesn’t make us think he won’t start the season. I know in a perfect world, he would have liked to play for the Dominican (in the World Baseball Classic)."

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New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte set to miss World Baseball Classic due to surgery

Starling Marte was initially expected to be named in Team Dominican Republic for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, but his core muscle surgery in October meant the New York Mets star would miss the tournament. The Dominican Republic already boast one of the strongest infield lineups ever assembled, and Marte's availability would have bolstered their outfield.

In his Tuesday interview, Showalter confirmed the player's exclusion from his national team and the disappointment that came along with it. However, Showalter's comments about Marte being ready for the start of the MLB season is encouraging for Mets fans.

If Marte makes a full recovery and return to his previous level of play, he could be a key contributor to the New York Mets' push for the World Series in 2023.