CLEVELAND — Mark Vientos received an opportunity Tuesday to show he’s more than just a part-time bat against left-handed pitchers.
With Brett Baty struggling at the plate, manager Carlos Mendoza gave Vientos a start at third base. Mendoza cited the fact that Guardians starting pitcher Xzavion Curry had reverse splits and was tougher against left-handed hitters.
Vientos responded with a 2-for-4 performance that included a homer in the Mets’ 7-6 loss at Progressive Field.
“It all starts with your routine and your plan and I feel like we did a good job over here talking about our approach and plan and I kind of feel that when you speak it out loud you go do it out there,” Vientos said.
Baty entered the day with a .180/.255/.320 slash line with two homers and six RBIs in May. He had struck out in 42 percent of his plate appearances, including three times in Monday’s loss.
“[Monday] he had one of those where he was in between, missing his pitches and chasing when he gets behind in the count,” Mendoza said. “I thought Sunday he had a better day, but right now it’s one of those where he is going through it, but I like where he’s at mentally and he’s putting the work in.”
Baty’s ability to block out his offensive troubles and not let it affect the rest of his game is the best sign to Mendoza.
“He’s separating the offense from the defense, he’s still bringing it, his attitude in the dugout, his energy, so there’s a lot to like,” Mendoza said.
Vientos was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse last week and showed life at the plate in the weekend series in Miami. Vientos hasn’t committed an error since his recall.
Kodai Senga played catch, according to Mendoza, and has rescheduled his bullpen session for Friday. The right-hander skipped his bullpen on Sunday because of triceps soreness. Senga has been delayed in starting a minor league rehab assignment as he looks to work on his mechanics.
Drew Smith threw a bullpen session and will be evaluated for a minor league rehab assignment.
Jeff McNeil, who went 2-for-4 with a homer, owns an .812 OPS on the road this season. McNeil’s OPS at Citi Field is .449.
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