Mark Vientos’ lack of productivity when given a chance to play coupled with his fit within the Mets’ framework turned him into a roster casualty Sunday.
The rookie infielder was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse as the corresponding move for Pete Alonso’s return from the injured list.
Vientos owned a .178/.225/.244 slash line with one homer and five RBIs in 49 plate appearances since his recall last month.
The Mets have been committed to Daniel Vogelbach as the left-handed DH and Tommy Pham’s recent surge from the right side left few opportunities for Vientos.
“While [Vientos] hasn’t been as productive as we hoped he would have been, it was a good opportunity for him,” manager Buck Showalter said before the Mets lost 8-7 to the Cardinals at Citi Field. “He was going to have to run with it quickly, that is usually the way it works up here. What’s tough for me is you are trying to develop players and you are trying to win a baseball game and that’s always a tug.”
Team brass wasn’t comfortable using Vientos in the field extensively, further limiting his chances.
Vientos will continue working at third and first base for Syracuse, according to Showalter.
“He’s shown an ability to hit the ball hard when there’s contact — just like a lot of guys — but he’s got a chance to be a good hitter,” Showalter said. “I think he is starting to make some strides defensively.”
Vientos joined rookies Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty as part of the “Baby Mets.”
Alvarez and Baty have played on a regular basis, at catcher and third base respectively.
“I think Mark at some point, the waters may part, and he may get to play every day somewhere, at some position,” Showalter said. “We just felt like Mark needed to get some at-bats and they may not be there at this time. Things can change, though.”
Jose Quintana pitched 3 ¹/₃ innings (46 pitches) and allowed two unearned runs in a minor league rehab start for Single-A St. Lucie.
It was the second rehab appearance for the veteran left-hander, who would join the Mets’ rotation in early July if he remains on schedule.
Quintana underwent bone-graft surgery on a rib during spring training after he was diagnosed with a stress fracture and benign lesion.
Brandon Nimmo has reached base in 12 straight games and owns a .915 OPS during that stretch.