The New York Mets are getting Mark Vientos back this week, but his arrival means the Mets will have to make a corresponding move to get him back on the gameday roster.
Vientos was a star for the Mets last year. He hit 27 home runs and slashed .266/.322/.516. In the postseason, he hit .327 with a .998 OPS. He was struggling this year before landing on the injured list. The Mets have had Ronny Mauricio and Brett Baty taking reps at third base in Vientos’ absence.
However, one of them could be in jeopardy of being sent down with Vientos returning. Manager Carlos Mendoza was asked about whether there is a chance all three could stay on the roster.
“It’s possible,” Mendoza said when asked if all three players could be on the roster. “We got one more [game] tonight, we gotta get through it, and then we have a decision at the end of the day.”
On paper, the decision may not be difficult. Baty has done nothing but struggle as a big leaguer. Mauricio has shown promise in limited playing time. However, the decision is not as easy as asking, “Who will be the better backup?”
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Vientos still has not proven he can play like he did last season, so there may still be a rotation in the infield. Additionally, the Mets will likely try to get Mauricio and Baty DH reps, regardless of who stays on the roster. Mauricio is a switch-hitter, and Baty is a lefty. The Mets could see this as an opportunity to move on from Jared Young, who has struggled.
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