Mets' Starling Marte: Could be available off bench

Marte (neck) could be available off the bench for Friday's game, and he could return to the starting lineup Saturday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Marte is missing another game due to neck stiffness, but it sounds like his absence is more precautionary than a serious injury. The 34-year-old is slashing .222/.329/.333 through 73 plate appearances this season with one homer and seven steals in nine attempts.