NEW YORK — On Sunday, Mark Vientos, the third baseman for the New York Mets, was absent from the lineup in their match-up against the St. Louis Cardinals due to discomfort in his groin. This follows his exit from Saturday’s game, where the Mets triumphed 3-0 over the Cardinals. Vientos had been impressive in that game, making a leaping catch in the fourth inning to thwart Brendan Donovan’s hit.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned that Vientos was feeling notably improved by Sunday and suggested there was a possibility of bringing him in from the bench. “Hopefully, he’s a player for us. But if not, we’ll continue to treat it day by day,” Mendoza stated. Brett Baty stepped in for Vientos and started at third base for the final match of the series, where he ended 0 for 3 in New York’s 7-4 victory over the Cardinals.
The 25-year-old Vientos, who has been showing a batting average of .167, recently hit two home runs and recorded six RBIs with a .565 OPS. Though his performance with runners in scoring position has been challenging, as he is 1 for 22, he showed strength by hitting home runs on both Thursday and Friday, marking his first for the season. Vientos had a standout season in 2024, batting .266 with 27 home runs, 71 RBIs, and an .837 OPS. He continued his fine form into the playoffs, hitting five home runs and achieving 14 RBIs, setting a club postseason record as the Mets advanced to the National League Championship Series.
On another note regarding injuries, manager Mendoza noted that catcher Francisco Alvarez and second baseman Jeff McNeil are expected to be at Citi Field on Monday for evaluations. However, it’s anticipated they will return to the minors to continue their rehabilitation assignments. Both players are currently with Double-A Binghamton, with Alvarez serving as the designated hitter and recording 1 for 5 during Sunday’s game in Reading. Meanwhile, McNeil excelled at second base with a 4 for 4 performance, including hitting a home run for the second consecutive day.
“We will check with them. Most likely, they will continue to get at-bats,” Mendoza explained. “I think from Alvy, from the medical standpoint, he’s clear. Now it’s just, continue to work on his timing and things like that. So maybe a couple of more games in Triple-A, and then we’ll see where we’re at. And same thing with Jeff.”
The Mets are set to begin a three-game series on Monday night against their National League East rival, the Philadelphia Phillies. Alvarez has been sidelined since March 9 because of a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, requiring surgical intervention with an initial recovery timeline of six to eight weeks. McNeil, who also suffered an injury during spring training, began the season on the injured list. The two-time All-Star and 2022 batting champion in the major leagues is recovering from a minor right oblique strain.
Additionally, pitcher Paul Blackburn, who is dealing with right knee inflammation, completed a rehab session on Saturday with High-A Brooklyn in Aberdeen. During his outing, he threw 38 pitches over two innings, conceding one run and two hits, along with two walks. “The reports from yesterday after he came out, he felt good,” Mendoza reported.