Mets' Brett Baty's playing more at third base because of his defense
Share this @internewscast.com

BOSTON — As much as the Mets have valued Brett Baty’s lefty bat in the lineup, his glovework has been his strength since returning to the club.

To strengthen their defense, Manager Carlos Mendoza has been increasingly assigning Baty to third base, while moving Mark Vientos to the designated hitter role.

Baty began the day plus-1 in outs above average, according to Statcast, placing him in MLB’s 70th percentile.

He has looked particularly good on hard-hit balls.

“I appreciate his internal clock, awareness, and footwork, and I really like his arm,” Mendoza mentioned before the Mets faced a 2-0 defeat against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. “He’s good at throwing from various angles, and I feel he’s doing well right now.”

Baty had another highlight-reel play on this night, barehanding Trevor Story’s chopper in the fourth inning and turning it into an out.

Baty has provided steadiness during a stretch in which Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, among others, have endured slumps defensively.

“I think I am playing real good defense right now,” Baty said.


Brett Baty, who has been playing good defense recently, is unable to make a diving play on a ball hit down the third base line during the Mets' 2-0 loss to the Red Sox on May 20, 2025.
Brett Baty, who has been playing good defense recently, is unable to make a diving play on a ball hit down the third base line during the Mets’ 2-0 loss to the Red Sox on May 20, 2025. Getty Images

The Mets were homerless in five straight games entering Tuesday.

That drought occurred during a stretch in which the team had faced Paul Skenes, Carlos Rodón and Max Fried, among others.

“Pitchers like Skenes are quite formidable,” Mendoza added. “This pitching staff is strong. We need to adapt because they’re adjusting to us. It’s uncommon for us to go five games without hitting a home run.”


Mendoza indicated he planned to keep his starting rotation in line beyond this series, meaning Griffin Canning, David Peterson and Kodai Senga are scheduled to face the Dodgers at Citi Field this weekend.



Paul Blackburn throw a pitch early in Mets' spring training.
Paul Blackburn throw a pitch early in Mets’ spring training. Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Paul Blackburn will pitch Wednesday in his final scheduled rehab appearance — he is expected to throw 80 pitches.

The right-hander, who figures into the bullpen upon his return (unless there is an injury to a starting pitcher) has been rehabbing from right knee inflammation since the end of spring training.


Frankie Montas is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session (two innings) on Tuesday.

Sean Manaea is expected to throw off a mound. Montas is rehabbing from a strained lat and Manaea an oblique strain.

Both began the season on the injured list.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
18-year-old charged with murder in Jacksonville shooting

Jacksonville Shooting: 18-Year-Old Faces Murder Charges

JSO charges 18-year-old Andre Thomas with murder for the shooting death of…
UN delegates walk out as Netanyahu takes the stage

Israeli Envoy Criticizes ‘Planned Walkout’ Before Netanyahu’s Address, Addresses Holiday Scheduling Dispute

Israel’s lead diplomat at the United Nations criticized those who exited the…
Florida man cites barber appointment after getting clocked going more than 100 mph

Florida Man Caught Speeding Over 100 mph Claims He Was Rushing to Barber Appointment

A Florida man who was clocked going more than 100 miles per…
Reported threat at Jewish Congregation of Venice prompts large police response

Large Police Presence Responds to Reported Threat at Venice Jewish Congregation

The Jewish Congregation received phone calls threatening to “kill everyone,” according to…
FBI takes 4 illegal immigrants in Portland into custody after lasers aimed at CBP aircraft

FBI Detains 4 Undocumented Migrants in Portland Following Laser Incident with CBP Aircraft

An FBI raid on a property tied to a suspect accused of…
2 found dead in Sycamore home on Oakland Drive; 1 detained in Rockford area: DeKalb County Sheriff's Office

Two Discovered Dead in Sycamore Residence on Oakland Drive; One Person Held in Rockford Region: DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office

SYCAMORE, Ill. (WLS) — Two people were found dead in a DeKalb…
Iowa school superintendent resigns after ICE arrest rocks Des Moines district

Iowa School Chief Steps Down Following Immigration Arrest Impacting Des Moines District

The Iowa school superintendent, recently detained by federal immigration officials, has decided…
'Dancing with the Stars' week 3 recap: Ballroom shocked by TikTok night elimination

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Week 3 Recap: TikTok Night Ends in Unexpected Elimination

TikTok took center stage in the ballroom Tuesday night during week three…
Italy’s Meloni says Gaza flotilla risks escalation, could ‘blow up' potential ceasefire deal

Italy’s Meloni Warns Gaza Flotilla Could Endanger Ceasefire Negotiations

The Gaza-bound flotilla involving anti-Israel activists and celebrities, including Greta Thunberg, has…
UNC professor on leave over ties to far-left gun club once headlined Harvard panel on armed activism

UNC Professor on Leave Over Far-Left Gun Club Links Previously Starred at Harvard Discussion on Armed Activism

The Trump administration announced it was freezing over $2 billion in grants…
Livestock landscaping: Vermont ski areas employ goats and sheep to clear the slopes

Grazing Livestock: Vermont Ski Resorts Use Goats and Sheep for Slope Maintenance

JAY, Vt. (AP) — Months before the first snow beckons skiers, sheep…
Criminal gangs recruiting teenage girls as assassins and bombers, officials warn

Officials Warn: Teenage Girls Being Recruited by Criminal Gangs as Assassins and Bombers

Sweden is currently facing a unique type of gang violence where teenage…