Breaking News: Latest Mets Announcement Brings Bad News for Mark Vientos

The New York Mets revealed just before Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers that third baseman Mark Vientos, who has been having a tough time recently, was removed from the lineup due to a new injury.

This update added to the challenges Vientos is facing, as he’s been struggling to maintain his place in the lineup. Although he had a breakout season in 2024, some experts think he might soon be replaced by another highly regarded prospect.

 

 

Mets Cautious About Injury to Mark Vientos

The Mets had originally planned for Mark Vientos to bat second in Friday’s lineup but later announced that outfielder Starling Marte would take his place.

The team posted on X that “Mark Vientos was scratched from tonight’s game as a precaution due to abdominal soreness.”

Baty 💣 pic.twitter.com/S8Pnshfkr5

— New York Mets (@Mets) May 24, 2025

The extent of Vientos’ injury remains unclear, and the Mets faced another blow when outfielder Brandon Nimmo exited the game with neck stiffness. Although the Mets rallied to tie the game with three runs in the ninth inning, they couldn’t score in three extra innings and ultimately lost 7-5 in the 12th.

After the game, Vientos told reporters he planned to reassess the injury before Saturday’s matchup against the Dodgers.

“It’s just a strange pain,” Vientos told the New York Post. “I’m not too concerned. I’ll come in on Saturday and see how it feels.”

Vientos had a breakout year in 2024, hitting 27 home runs with an .837 OPS, but has struggled this season, batting .232 with five home runs and a .674 OPS amid a sophomore slump.

Brett Baty Could Take Over for Mark Vientos

Some insiders think Brett Baty, who had a tough time holding a steady spot in the Mets’ lineup in Queens and moved back and forth between the major league team and Triple-A Syracuse, might replace Vientos in the starting lineup.

Will Sammon of The Athletic mentioned that since the Mets’ pitching staff emphasizes inducing ground balls, Baty currently offers more value to the team. While Vientos could still serve as the designated hitter, Baty’s superior defense likely gives him the edge, according to Sammon.

“I want to see Baty playing third base almost all the time because he deserves it,” Sammon said, as reported by SI.com. “He’s really going after the ball at third, showing more aggression, unlike a couple years ago when he was less confident and hesitant. Now he’s actively fielding it.”

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence that Vientos can improve.

“I don’t think he’s pressing; players go through slumps both offensively and defensively,” Mendoza said. “He’s made a few routine errors, which might be on his mind, but it’s not because of pressure from Baty. They came up together and have a friendly competition, supporting each other. I don’t see it as a problem.

“If Vientos keeps working hard and putting in the effort, he’ll be fine.”