The status of Starling Marte’s fractured right middle finger is the most intriguing question facing the Mets ahead of the 10 a.m. Friday deadline to finalize their wild-card round roster.
Marte participated in baseball activities Thursday, according to general manager Billy Eppler, and showed continued progress in the rehab of an injury that has kept him sidelined for the last 4 ½ weeks.
“He can grip things,” Eppler said. “We’re still waiting and see how he comes along.”
The Mets must decide if Marte will be in a position to contribute against the Padres. His right-handed bat was most missed in Atlanta last weekend, when the Mets were swept three games, with a low-octane lineup as a significant factor.
Here are some of the decisions the Mets face in constructing their 26-man roster:
Will the Mets go with 11 pitchers or carry a 12th?
Within that framework of that question, Eppler and manager Buck Showalter have to decide how many would be relievers. Though it’s a best-of-three series, carrying a fourth starter probably makes sense in case Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt or Jacob deGrom can’t answer the bell or leaves early with an injury. That would leave Taijuan Walker or Carlos Carrasco in play.
What about Francisco Alvarez?
The rookie catcher appears in good shape for a roster spot, but that could hinge upon whether Marte returns. Even so, if Marte returns, the Mets might not have a need for extra outfielder Tyler Naquin and could choose Alvarez’s powerful right-handed bat. The 20-year-old Alvarez spent the final week of the regular season with the Mets and blasted his first major league homer on Tuesday.
“Francisco showed pretty well,” Eppler said. “Taking more of a process-based approach and what kind of decisions he makes in the batter’s box, he showed pretty well and he swings with intent.”
What about the bullpen?
Edwin Diaz, Adam Ottavino, Seth Lugo, Drew Smith, Trevor May, David Peterson, Joely Rodriguez and Mychal Givens give the Mets eight arms. Will Trevor Williams get the nod over Givens? The fact Williams pitched six innings Wednesday works against him receiving a roster spot for this round.
Does Darin Ruf or Mark Vientos fit?
That could be contingent upon Marte’s status and the number of pitchers carried by the Mets. Naquin is a safer bet than Vientos because he can play the outfield and can provide a lefty bat off the bench. Ruf has been a disappointment, but owns postseason experience.
