Mark Vientos' expected return likely to shake up Mets' third base situation again
Share this @internewscast.com

Having been out since June 2 due to a strained hamstring, Mark Vientos is anticipated to return to Citi Field on Thursday and might even be part of the lineup for the series finale against Atlanta.

Vientos played a second straight rehab game at third base with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday and picked up two hits.

“We’ll meet with the trainers, discuss with him, and determine whether he needs a rest day after consecutive games or if he’s ready to play for us,” Carlos Mendoza commented before the 7-3 victory over the Braves on Wednesday night.

If they decide not to play Vientos three straight days, he’d be expected to go in Pittsburgh on Friday.

Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio have mostly split time at third in Vientos’ absence.

All three players have struggled to produce, with Vientos experiencing a slump in his last 14 games prior to his injury, and Baty enduring a 6-for-52 stretch before collecting five hits in three games, including going 2-for-4 in Wednesday night’s win.

Finally, Mauricio was 5-for-34 before his ninth-inning double Tuesday and his 3-for-4 performance Wednesday, which included a solo home run.

All these three players’ struggles mean the Mets could certainly use the 2024 version of Vientos to spark what’s been a slumping offense.


Mark Vientos, who was on the IL with a hamstring strain, is expected to return for the Mets' series finale vs. the Braves.
Mark Vientos, who was on the IL with a hamstring strain, is expected to return for the Mets’ series finale vs. the Braves. Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

After emerging with 27 homers and an OPS of .837 last season, Vientos struggled before the hamstring injury, with just six homers and a .678 OPS prior to the injury.

His step back offensively — as well as Francisco Alvarez’s — coupled with the lack of development from other young hitters like Baty and — for now, Mauricio — have helped lead to the Mets’ recent overall losing ways.

Alvarez, who left his first game with Syracuse with dizziness on Tuesday, completed Wednesday’s game, going 0-for-3 as the DH.


Ronny Mauricio belts a solo homer in the third inning of the Mets' 7-3 win over the Braves on June 25, 2025.
Ronny Mauricio belts a solo homer in the third inning of the Mets’ 7-3 win over the Braves on June 25, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The Mets are looking for him to fix issues at the plate and at catcher after being demoted.


Jeff McNeil said he always wanted to play center field after being an outfielder in college.

On Wednesday, he showed he’s up to the task, as he climbed the wall in center to rob Marcell Ozuna of a homer in the top of the first.

It was his 13th game started in center this season after starting there just twice in his career before this season.

“He’s capable of playing multiple positions,’’ Mendoza said. “Second base, anywhere in the outfield. He’s never gonna say no.”


The Mets shook up their taxed bullpen a bit on Wednesday.

They recalled left-hander Brandon Waddell and selected righty Jonathan Pintaro to the roster.

The duo replaced the two left-handers that had previously spent time in the pen, José Castillo and Richard Lovelady, who were both designated for assignment after pitching in Tuesday’s loss to Atlanta.

Mendoza noted it was the sixth day in the past week the Mets have been forced to make a roster move affecting the pen.

Both newcomers pitched in Wednesday’s win, with Waddell tossing a scoreless inning and Pintaro — who’d never pitched above Double-A — allowing a pair of runs in two-thirds of an inning before Edwin Díaz closed it.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Ukraine’s ex-foreign minister backs Trump on defense spending, warns diplomacy with Putin is nearly exhausted

Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Supports Trump’s Stance on Defense Spending, Says Diplomacy with Putin is Running Out

On June 14, Trump had a telephone conversation with Putin following an…
George Kittle opens up on bizarre NFL training method with sex life side effect

George Kittle discusses unusual NFL training technique that affects his sex life

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle might’ve shared too many details…
Volodymyr Zelensky in The Hague.

Zelensky adopts a new polished appearance for critical NATO meeting with Trump, who praises the war leader’s cordiality.

Today, Volodymyr Zelensky swapped his usual combat attire for a sleek black…
Watch: NATO Presser Falls Silent During Touching Moment Between Trump and Foreign Reporter

Watch: Silence Falls at NATO Press Briefing During Heartfelt Interaction Between Trump and Foreign Reporter

The incident took place at a NATO leaders’ summit held in The…
Deputy ties necktie for driver during St. Tammany Parish stop

Deputy Assists Driver with Necktie During St. Tammany Parish Stop

An image capturing the touching moment has quickly spread across social media,…
A 700ft cargo ship crashing into a Suez Canal port.

Shocking Incident: 700-Foot Cargo Ship Crashes Into Suez Canal Port, Forcing Workers to Evacuate

This is the astonishing scene where a 700-foot cargo ship lost control…
UConn star Liam McNeeley taken at No. 29 in NBA Draft

UConn Standout Liam McNeeley Selected 29th in NBA Draft

Liam McNeeley was thrilled for his friends and high school teammates, Cooper…
Lightning strike injures 20 at popular South Carolina vacation getaway

Lightning Bolt Strikes, Injuring 20 at Popular South Carolina Vacation Spot

Twenty people were injured on Tuesday afternoon when lightning struck a popular…
Florida enacts new law bolstering mental health support

Florida Introduces New Legislation to Enhance Mental Health Support

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 168, the Tristin Murphy Act to…

Heartbreaking Final Moments of Mother of Four Who Fell to Her Death in Tandem Skydive Revealed

The heartbreaking final moments of a mother of four, who lost her…
Walmart store exterior with logo.

Walmart Urges Customers to Return Popular $27 Home Item Due to Fire Hazard Concerns

WALMART is scrambling to retrieve a popular home item after it was…
‘Perfect Match’ Season 3 Mixes Things Up By Adding ‘Love Island’ and ‘Bachelor’ Alums

“Season 3 of ‘Perfect Match’ Shakes Things Up with ‘Love Island’ and ‘Bachelor’ Contestants”

Another season of Perfect Match is coming in hot! In the Season…