Starling Marte is hitting for Mets in NLCS at right time

LOS ANGELES — Following their win in Game 5, only two hitters in baseball had more postseason hits than Starling Marte.

The versatile hitter who can spray the ball all over the field seems to be fully back in form.

Marte, who was an All-Star in his first season with the Mets before injuries plagued him in 2023, missed about two months this season due to a knee injury and only played sparingly upon his return in mid-August.

Whether it was for health reasons or lineup optimization, manager Carlos Mendoza started Marte in 26 of the final 39 regular-season games, using him as a complementary piece rather than a cornerstone.

However, when it comes to crucial games, Marte has been an indispensable part of the lineup.

Out of the 12 October games the Mets have played, Marte has started in all of them.

The fact that Marte has been able to remain in the lineup despite his previous knee, groin, and head injuries has been crucial.

Furthermore, Marte’s solid performance with the bat has made Mendoza’s lineup decisions straightforward.

“Playing through injuries is challenging,” Marte said through interpreter Alan Suriel after his impressive 4-for-5 performance with three doubles and three RBIs in Game 5 against the Dodgers. “But once you’re able to rehab the injury and get back to full health, it boosts your confidence.”

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“I believe that sticking to a proper routine has been key for me,” Marte added.

While Marte’s power might have diminished at 36 years old, he brings a different dynamic to the lineup alongside power hitters like Pete Alonso.

In Game 5, Marte hit a double down the first base line, a two-run double down the third base line, another double in the sixth inning, and an RBI single in the eighth.

Heading into Saturday, Marte had accumulated 13 hits in the postseason, trailing only teammate Mark Vientos and Cleveland’s Steven Kwan.

His resurgence towards the end of the season, following a challenging 2023 and a mixed 2024, has given the Mets optimism not only for the current playoff run but also for next season when Marte will enter the final year of his four-year, $78 million contract.

What once seemed like a burden now appears more manageable with each postseason game. Marte is healthy, productive, and enjoying the game, as evidenced by the necklace given to him by a young fan during Friday’s game.

“As long as the team is winning, I’m happy,” Marte remarked.