Starling Marte Could Return From Finger Injury at Perfect Time

The New York Mets have been dealing with injuries to star players all season long, but they could be getting one back just in time for the playoffs.

All-Star Mets outfielder Starling Marte hasn't played since Sept. 6 due to a fractured right middle finger. Based on Wednesday's injury update, however, he's making progress in his recovery and appears on track to return before the end of the regular season.

Starling Marte Injury Update

Marte is hoping to resume swinging and throwing again later this week, potentially as soon as Wednesday. As long as he doesn't have any setbacks there, he could be able to return during New York's weekend series in Atlanta that starts on Sept. 30.

It goes without saying that Marte, who was batting .292/.347/.468 with 16 home runs and 18 stolen bases at the time of his injury, would provide a major boost to the Mets' lineup. While the team officially clinched a postseason berth on Monday, they still only hold a one-game lead over the Braves in the NL East.

Depending on how the next week and a half plays out, that weekend series in Atlanta could end up determining the fate of the division. A healthy Marte would considerably improve the Mets' chances of winning that series and potentially locking up the division.

As it stands, New York is -240 favorites to finish first in the NL East on FanDuel Sportsbook's MLB odds.