New York Mets May Not Activate Starter When Initially Eligible

New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte may not be back with the team when first eligible to return, but it's for a great reason.

The New York Mets enter play on Monday at 46-53 and 7.5 games back in the National League wild card race. 

While the Mets may sell at the trade deadline and hamper their ability to win this season, if they are going to mount any kind of push, they'll need all their expected stars to contribute.

They may not get those contributions from outfielder Starling Marte as quickly as expected, as the veteran may not be activated when first ready to do so.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

While the Mets continue to believe Marte (migraines) will need only a minimum 10-day stay on the injured list, he could go on the paternity list at the end of July, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

ANALYSIS
The veteran outfielder is currently eligible to be activated from the IL on July 27, but he might not return to the lineup for a few days after his activation. Marte is one of many Mets who have failed to meet expectations this season, slashing .254/.308/.332 through 84 games with 24 steals but only five homers, 28 RBI and 38 runs.

Having a child is certainly a good reason to delay return, so we wish Marte well on the pending birth of his child.

He's in his 12th year in the big leagues with the Pirates, Diamondbacks, Marlins, A's and Mets. The 34-year-old is a lifetime .287 hitter with 147 homers and 338 stolen bases.

The Mets will be off on Monday before starting a series with the Yankees on Tuesday.

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