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Happy Postseason Day! The 2022 MLB Playoffs begin tonight and the New York Mets have been handed a sizeable boost ahead of Game 1 of the National League Wild Card against the San Diego Padres. Veteran outfielder Starling Marte is on the postseason roster, as is rookie phenom Francisco Àlvarez. You can see the full roster here.

Marte’s return was first reported by Andy Martino of SNY. 

The return of Marte is obviously the biggest development for the Mets, who will be hoping to advance past the Padres this weekend to set up a mouthwatering showdown with the Dodgers in the NLDS. Marte was a huge question mark having been out for over a month with a fractured right middle finger.

Marte participated in baseball activities on Thursday and showed continued progress in his rehab from an injury that has proved difficult to overcome. Speaking on Thursday, Mets general manager Billy Eppler said: “He can grip things. We’re still waiting and see how he comes along.”

The fact that Marte has now been deemed healthy enough to make his return in the postseason is hugely significant for the Mets, who missed the veteran’s right-handed bat in their series sweep to Atlanta that ultimately handed the NL East crown to the Braves. Plus, the margins are razor thin in the playoffs, and Marte’s ability to get on base, steal bases and manufacture runs could prove to be a difference maker against the Padres.

The other notable addition to the postseason roster for the Mets was that of Àlvarez, who at 20 years old, is the youngest player to ever appear on a Mets postseason roster. Only three 21 year-olds have played in a playoff game in team history: Gregg Jefferies (1988), Dwight Gooden (1986), and Wayne Garrett (1969).

After being called up, Àlvarez played in five games, hitting .167/.286/.500 with a .786 OPS in 12 at-bats. He also hit one home run, one double and had one RBI. However, the catcher boasts a powerful bat with plus-plus power and he can provide some lethal pop both at the catcher position and at DH. His ability to hit moonshots at a high rate could also prove to be an X-Factor for the Mets in their Wild Card matchup against the Padres, and the return of Marte can also not be understated heading into Game 1.