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Try it freeBALTIMORE — Mark Vientos began the season regarded as a key Mets lineup piece, but his underwhelming production lately has left him on the bench.
Starling Marte’s injured list stint should provide Vientos opportunities as the DH against lefty pitching, but otherwise it’s just sit and wait.
“Especially when we are facing a lot of these righties, but the way [Ronny] Mauricio and [Brett] Baty have been playing … I talked to [Vientos], he’s going to stay ready,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before Wednesday’s game against the Orioles was postponed by weather. “He’s a big part of this team.”
Jesse Winker, who returned from the injured list on Tuesday, will receive most of the at-bats from the DH spot.
Vientos entered Tuesday’s game as a pinch hitter and finished 0-for-2.
Since returning from the injured list he’s 2-for-27 (.074).
Overall, Vientos owns a .210/.272/.341 slash line with six homers in 235 plate appearances this season.
David Peterson is the scheduled Mets starter for Game 1 of Thursday’s split doubleheader, which is set for 12:05 p.m.
Mendoza did not announce a starter for the nightcap beginning at 5:05 p.m., but Justin Hagenman is expected to receive the assignment (either starting or behind an opener) if he isn’t thrust into a Game 1 relief role.
The upcoming All-Star break will keep the doubleheader from throwing the Mets rotation into disarray.
Kodai Senga didn’t have any physical issues following a bullpen session and is scheduled to start Friday’s series opener in Kansas City.
The right-hander has been rehabbing a right hamstring strain since June 13.
Brandon Nimmo’s next game will be his 1,000th in a Mets uniform.
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Nimmo will become the 11th player in franchise history to reach that milestone.
Ed Kranepool holds the franchise record with 1,853 games played for the Mets.
Alex Carrillo on Tuesday became the 36th pitcher used this season by the Mets — the most by any MLB team. The team record is 42 pitchers used in 2021. The Mets used 37 pitchers in 2023 and ’24.