Starling Marte exits game vs. Cubs with knee soreness in Mets injury concern

CHICAGO — The Mets have been cautious in giving Starling Marte days off to protect his legs.

But the veteran outfielder received an unplanned break Saturday, when he departed before the bottom of the second inning of the Mets’ 8-1 loss against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Marte exited with right knee soreness, according to the Mets, and manager Carlos Mendoza said that the outfielder won’t play Sunday against Chicago — while adding that he didn’t know whether an injured list stint would be needed.

He’ll be evaluated and receive an MRI exam Monday after the team returns to New York.

“It’s been a few weeks where it has been bothering me,” Marte said through an interpreter. “It’s one of those things where one day it’s better and other days, not so much. It’s something we have been battling with and today it just hurt more than most days.”

With Marte removed, DJ Stewart moved to right field — he began the day in left — and Tyrone Taylor entered as a defensive replacement in left.

As recently as Monday, the 35-year-old Marte was on the bench in an effort to preserve his legs playing on the turf at Globe Life Field in Texas.     

On this day Marte batted in the second inning — with the Mets already in a five-run hole — and grounded out.

He was removed from the game when the Mets emerged to play the field in the bottom of the inning.

Marte has managed to stay relatively healthy this season, with 66 games played.

He began the day with a .279/.330/.418 slash line with seven homers and 30 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.