Starling Marte was scratched from the Mets’ starting lineup Saturday as a precaution after the outfielder’s troublesome right knee flared up.
The team’s starting right fielder — who did not appear Saturday — also had sat out one game ahead of the Mets’ London road trip earlier this month with the same issue.
“Still the knee, it flared up a little [Friday] again,” Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets beat the Padres, 5-1, on Saturday at Citi Field. “I’m not too concerned, he should be available off the bench, but I just decided to give him a day.”
Asked if the injury is something to need to monitor regularly, Mendoza added, “We definitely have to monitor it. Want to make sure this doesn’t turn into a long-term injury.
He was feeling pretty good [Friday], I think it was more after the stolen base that he felt something there.
Then after the game I checked with him, and he wanted to play, but it’s one of those [things] that let’s be smart here and don’t try to push it.
The report today is he’s feeling a lot better, so that’s a good sign.”
Kodai Senga, who has not pitched this season because of a right-shoulder strain, threw his third bullpen session since he suffered a triceps setback last month.
Senga threw 30-35 pitches, Mendoza said, with two “ups” or simulated innings.
“He threw 15 or so, sat down, like a two-inning bullpen type deal. He felt good, so a good sign,” Mendoza said. “He’ll throw another one the middle of next week and then hopefully we can move to the next phase, which is facing hitters.”
Mendoza praised second-year catcher Francisco Alvarez’s defense behind the plate since returning from the injured list.
“His leadership. His ability to communicate to relate to everyone on the pitching staff, the coaches,” Mendoza said. “Obviously, the framing is really good, his arm can shut down running games, but I think it’s just his ability to lead a pitching staff, and having the knowledge when to make adjustments and giving guys conviction. So for a guy that age [22], it’s pretty impressive.”