Starling Marte is facing a stint on the injured list following an MRI exam on his sore right knee Monday.
The Mets outfielder, according to sources, has been diagnosed with a bone inflammation in the knee and was told to rest for 15 days.
Marte departed early from Saturday’s game against the Cubs in discomfort and was on the bench a day later.
Marte, 35, has been a productive piece in the Mets’ lineup, but has lagged defensively this season — with the knee perhaps a significant factor.
Marte indicated the knee has bothered him for a few weeks.
Marte owns a .278/.328/.416 slash line with seven homers, 30 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 66 games this season.
Last year, he missed most of the second half as he dealt with migraines and groin discomfort.
With Marte sidelined, the Mets will have to decide on his roster spot and how to fill a hole in right field.
Over the last two games, the team has used a combination of DJ Stewart and Tyrone Taylor in right field.
Possibilities at Triple-A Syracuse for the roster spot include Trayce Thompson and Ben Gamel, both of whom have major-league experience.
The Mets also have Brett Baty (who has been taking reps at second base for Syracuse) and could place Jeff McNeil in right field.
With Edwin Diaz suspended 10 games for violating MLB’s sticky substance rule — he can appeal the penalty — the Mets wouldn’t be allowed to use Marte’s roster spot for another pitcher. Diaz, even while suspended, would count toward the 13-pitcher maximum.
