Mets Notebook: Starling Marte’s return ‘not imminent’ after migraines, Buck Showalter says

Starling Marte was eligible to come off the injured list Thursday but the Mets are not ready to activate the right fielder. Marte is still dealing with migraine headaches and his child is due any day now, which has also complicated the matter.

“Not imminent,” manager Buck Showalter said Thursday at Citi Field ahead of the series opener against the Washington Nationals. “I know they’re talking about making sure they’ve got the right diagnosis with the migraines.”

Marte worked out at Citi Field over the weekend when the Mets were in Boston for a three-game series against the Red Sox. He was also with the team this week at Yankee Stadium for the Subway Series and was able to do baserunning drills ahead of Tuesday’s game in the Bronx. However, Marte has not been completely migraine-free. The 34-year-old has had more headaches this week but “on a lesser scale.”

The key concern is that the headaches are occurring so closely together. Marte has seen specialists and will seek a second opinion, but it’s not clear when or where that will occur. It will happen after his partner gives birth. No one has been able to determine what triggered a series of migraines over a two-week span.

Marte has long dealt with migraines, but the Mets are wondering whether or not a collision at third base in Los Angeles in April had something to do with it. Initially, the Mets said Marte did not have a concussion but have since admitted he might have been concussed. The outfielder dealt with neck stiffness following the injury.

However, it’s only speculation for now. Showalter has said the Mets will give Marte and his partner, Elianny Santana, the privacy they desire as they navigate childbirth. Marte’s wife, Noelia, passed away in 2020 of a heart attack, so the club is sympathetic toward any apprehension, anxiety or excitement surrounding the birth of the couple’s child.

“He’s got some other things going on in his life other than a headache,” Showalter said. “I’m just trying to be respectful.”

The Mets have been using DJ Stewart and Mark Canha in right field in Marte’s absence. Tommy Pham (groin) is set to return to left field Thursday against the Nationals. He was out of the lineup after DH’ing the night prior.

It’s been a tough year for Marte. Following offseason double-groin surgery, the Dominican outfielder struggled to get started at the plate and his defense suffered. His .640 OPS is well below his career average, but he is still a threat on the basepaths, having swiped 24 bags this season.

CAMPING OUT

In partnership with USA Baseball, the Mets are hosting their annual Junior Mets Youth Baseball Camp this week at Leavitts Park in Queens. Over the last week, kids received instruction from local coaches and also heard from former Mets catcher Todd Zeile and members of the baseball operations department. The event concludes Friday with an appearance from center fielder Brandon Nimmo.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Right-hander Sam Coonrod’s rehab is being transferred to Triple-A Syracuse. The reliever has not allowed an earned run in four innings of a rehab assignment with Low-A St. Lucie. He began the season on the 15-day injured list with a right lat strain and was later transferred to the 60-day injured list.

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