Mets’ starling mate gets start in left field for first time in eight years

BOSTON — Starling Marte was back at a familiar position Wednesday night, albeit one he hadn’t played in several years. The Mets veteran played left field against the Red Sox for his first

start at the position since 2017. Marte, who went 0-for-3 with a walk in the Mets’ 5-1 win, won a Gold Glove in left field for the Pirates in 2016. Marte’s start, with lefty Garrett Crochet

on the mound for the Red Sox, placed Brandon Nimmo on the bench. Manager Carlos Mendoza said he wasn’t concerned about Marte dealing with Fenway Park’s Green Monster. EXPLORE MORE “This is

something I talked to him about two days ago, in preparation for today,” Mendoza said. “He’s been getting work there, so we feel comfortable with that here.” It was the second start in the

outfield this season for Marte — he played right field on the other occasion. ------------------------- Mendoza has valued special assistant Carlos Beltran’s presence with the team over the

past week. Beltran has participated in meetings and interacted with players in the clubhouse. Beltran, who had an uneasy transition his first season playing for the Mets, has taken an

interest in Juan Soto. “They are having those conversations,” Mendoza said. “[Beltran] went through it. Not too many people have been in those shoes — a big contract, playing for the first

time with a new team. I am pretty sure they talk about it and he will continue to have those conversations with him.” ------------------------- Paul Blackburn allowed one hit over seven

shutout innings for Triple-A Syracuse in potentially his final rehab start Wednesday afternoon. The Mets don’t have an obvious fit on the roster for the right-hander, as two pitchers with

minor league options — Huascar Brazobán and Max Kranick — have pitched well for the club. Blackburn does not have a minor league option remaining, but still has another 1 ½ weeks left on his

rehab clock. “It’s a tough decision because everyone is healthy and everyone is throwing the ball well,” Mendoza said. “But it always plays itself out, so we will see what we have got here

and whether he’s going to make another [start] in the minor leagues or he’s ready to come up and join the team.” ------------------------- Jose Siri has begun baseball activities — running

sprints and hitting in the batting cage — as he rehabs a fractured left tibia. Siri has been on the IL since April 17.