The New York Mets have announced that outfielder Starling Marte has been placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to June 23, due to a right knee bone bruise. The team expects him to be sidelined for at least four weeks, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.

Marte, who had been dealing with knee soreness for about three weeks, had been playing through the ailment and having a productive season. However, the discomfort became too much, and he was forced to leave Saturday's game. An MRI is scheduled for Monday to determine the extent of the injury.

The 32-year-old outfielder has been a standout performer for the Mets, with a slash line of .278/.328/.416 for the year, translating to a 116 wRC+. In June, Marte had an excellent showing, hitting .304/.360/.457 despite the ongoing knee issue.

This setback is especially disappointing considering Marte's successful bounceback season. After struggling with a groin surgery recovery in 2020, he had regained his health and returned to form in the first half of this year. Now, he will have to overcome this bone bruise to continue his resurgence.

The Mets will rely on Brandon Nimmo and Harrison Bader to fill the outfield positions in Marte's absence. However, the loss of Marte could create an opportunity for DJ Stewart or Tyrone Taylor to see more playing time. Stewart provides offensive firepower but lacks defensive prowess, whereas Taylor has excelled defensively this season.

To replace Marte on the roster, the Mets have selected outfielder Ben Gamel. Gamel, who signed a minor league deal with the team in the offseason, has been performing impressively for Triple-A Syracuse. With a 149 wRC+ and a line of .314/.423/.538, Gamel has displayed his hitting abilities and a high on-base percentage.

Having played all three outfield positions for Syracuse, Gamel is a versatile option for the Mets. While his career numbers in the majors have been less impressive, he could provide a valuable boost to the team during Marte's absence.

It is worth noting that Gamel has more than five years of major league service time, which means he cannot be optioned without his consent. If the Mets decide to remove him from the active roster later in the season, they will need to remove him from the 40-man roster.

The Mets will certainly miss Marte's contributions, but with the addition of Gamel and the potential for increased playing time for other outfielders, they hope to navigate through this challenging period and maintain their competitive edge. The focus now turns to Marte's recovery and the team's ability to adapt in his absence.