PITTSBURGH — After initial tests on Starling Marte’s right hand, the Mets were optimistic Wednesday that the veteran outfielder had escaped the worst when he was drilled by a pitch the previous night.
But the Mets were awaiting another round of imaging results after their 5-1 victory over the Pirates in Game 1 of a doubleheader before providing a diagnosis on Marte’s injury.
“He is just sore,” manager Buck Showalter said. “It’s a little sore and that is always a concern. He got a pretty good lick on there and right on the button, so we are waiting with bated breath that things come back clean. I am not going to handicap it at all until our expert reads it, a good clean image.”
Marte had trouble gripping the ball Tuesday, leading to his departure from the game an inning after he was plunked.
Tyler Naquin replaced Marte in right field for Game 1 and hit a three-run homer. Showalter also moved Pete Alonso from cleanup to the No. 2 hole. Alonso, who has struggled recently at the plate, finished 2-for-5 with a single and double.
“Just a different look,” Showalter said. “Pete, give him a different look, a different perspective, and he responded well.”
The fact Seth Lugo had four days off since his previous appearance, allowed Showalter to utilize the right-hander for two innings in Game 1. Lugo allowed two hits in the scoreless appearance and lowered his ERA to 2.96 while keeping Adam Ottavino and Edwin Diaz rested for the nightcap.
The Mets have a day off Thursday that should leave Showalter with a rested bullpen heading into the weekend in Miami.
Drew Smith is scheduled to begin his rehab assignment by pitching Saturday for Triple-A Syracuse. The right-hander was placed on the injured list with a right lat strain on July 28.
Tylor Megill was scheduled to pitch in relief for Syracuse in his first outing since moving up from Binghamton in his rehab. The right-hander could be a bullpen option for the Mets as soon as the next homestand.
Luis Guillorme had a scheduled off day in his rehab with Syracuse. The infielder is returning from a groin strain.
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