Mets’ Starling Marte gets off to a strong start in right field

PORT ST. LUCIE – Starling Marte was doubly successful on Sunday: his left oblique was no problem and he handled a new position seamlessly.

Making his Grapefruit League debut this spring, Marte went 1-2 with the Cardinals and played right field without incident, a position he’s learning at camp after spending the first 10 seasons of his MLB career at left and center field has spent.

“It wasn’t easy,” Marte said on a day the Mets won 7-3. “I’ve got more training to do out there but I felt like I was getting good reads whether it was a left hitter or a right hitter. But only to keep working [Monday] and the following days just to feel more comfortable, but so far I’ve been feeling pretty good.

Marte reported to the camp with weird complaints, but had switched to doing live batting exercises in the last few days. He’s now aiming to get enough At-bats over the next 10 days to be comfortable for the April 7th kick-off.

Although Marte admitted he’d rather play in midfield, he’s preparing for the season like he’s the starter in the right. Manager Buck Showalter has indicated he is leaning toward Brandon Nimmo at center and Mark Canha at left to start the season.

“Right now I’m in the right field and that’s what I’m concentrating on, just to make sure I’m doing everything right,” said Marte.

Jacob deGrom found success as an offensive player last season, but said he’s not too disappointed with the introduction of a universal DH.

“I enjoyed batting, but it seemed to cause some of those injuries, so anything that can help me stay on the field is a plus,” deGrom said.

Jose Rodriguez, Trevor Williams, Miguel Castro, Seth Lugo and Trevor May are all scheduled to serve in an intrasquad game at Clover Park on Monday. The Mets return to Grapefruit League action a day later.

Nimmo was released with a pinched thumb but will play on Tuesday, according to Showalter. The fielder completed live batting practice and later said he expects to get back in the lineup against the Marlins on Tuesday.

James McCann is also expected to make a return to the lineup on Tuesday. The catcher has been swinging in live batting practice and indicated his recent back pain has eased.