Brett Baty’s Message After Absence From Mets Lineup on Tuesday
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Mets’ young slugger scratched from Friday’s game with an injury
New York Mets star third baseman Mark Vientos was scratched from tonight’s game for precautionary reasons with abdomen soreness. The Mets don’t expect this to be a long-term absence, but abdominal injuries are tricky. Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña step up as lineup reshuffles. The show can still go on, but the harmony’s a little harder to find, as fans wait and wait for an update. The injury taps into a deeper fear: that a team clinging to its identity can’t afford to lose any of its young studs. The New York Mets have seen too many players slow their stride just when things seemed to turn around. Losing Vients, even briefly, threatens that balance. But in Queens, even a scratch in the lineup echoes loudly.
In a season where every spark matters, the Mets lost one of their young offensive pieces just before facing the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers.
The team’s announcement, posted calmly on X, offered little to ease the worry: “Mark Vientos was scratched from tonight’s game for precautionary reasons with abdomen soreness.”
Mark Vientos was scratched from tonight’s game for precautionary reasons with abdomen soreness. — New York Mets (@Mets) May 23, 2025
Even minor injuries can feel like major setbacks
It’s likely just a bump in the road. The Mets don’t expect this to be a long-term absence, but abdominal injuries are tricky.
Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
They can linger, flare back up, or turn something mild into a bigger concern if not handled carefully.
Right now, Vientos is day-to-day. But in the fast-paced, unforgiving world of Major League Baseball, even a day can shift momentum.
Why the Mets can’t afford to lose Vientos’ potential
After a breakout 2024 campaign where Vientos slugged 27 homers and posted a robust 133 wRC+, expectations for this season were high.
Sure, his start to 2025 hasn’t matched that energy—his line sits at .232/.299/.375 with a 92 wRC+ through 46 games—but context matters.
He’s still young. He’s still adjusting. And more importantly, he’s still a key cog in the lineup.
With Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Juan Soto having their own streaky stretches, every bat in the lineup counts double.
Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuña step up as lineup reshuffles
In Vientos’ absence, the Mets didn’t just patch the lineup—they reshuffled the deck entirely.
Brett Baty, swinging a hot bat lately, slides over to third base. Luisangel Acuña, the dynamic infielder with speed and flair, takes second and hits ninth.
There’s electricity in Acuña’s game, even if it’s still raw. Starling Marte moves to the two-hole as designated hitter, providing veteran presence early in the order.
It’s a lineup built to grind—not overwhelm—but the pieces can still click if the timing is right.
Think of this Mets offense like a symphony missing one violinist. The show can still go on, but the harmony’s a little harder to find.
Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Fans watch and wait for an update
For now, fans are left doing what they do best—hoping. There’s no panic, just cautious optimism.
Vientos’ injury, though reportedly minor, taps into a deeper fear: that a team clinging to its identity can’t afford to lose any of its young studs.
Baseball seasons are marathons full of stumbles, but the Mets have seen too many players slow their stride just when things seemed to turn around.
A 5-1 win over the Red Sox gave them a little swagger, a little belief. Losing Vientos, even briefly, threatens that balance.
It’s not a crisis. Not yet. But in Queens, even a scratch in the lineup echoes loudly.
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Brett Baty’s Message After Absence From Mets Lineup on Tuesday
Brett Baty sent a message after being left out of New York’s lineup before Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. The 25-year-old infielder hasn’t had a multi-hit game in June and has just two hits over his last six games. New York is two games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East despite its three-game losing streak. Southpaw pitcher David Peterson will start for the Mets against Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (5-4, 3.11 ERA)
The New York Mets have the best record in the NL, but not everyone on the team has played at their best recently. That especially applies to infielder Brett Baty (groin), who’s slashing .136/.204/.273 with two homers and four RBI over 13 games in June.
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The 6-foot-3-inch, 210-pounder hasn’t maintained his momentum from May, when he slashed .290/.333/.581 with five homers and 16 RBI over 21 contests. He hasn’t had a multi-hit game in June and has just two hits over his last six games.
Baty sent a message after being left out of New York’s lineup before Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, via MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.
New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (22) © John Jones-Imagn Images
“Brett Baty (right groin discomfort) isn’t sure yet if he’ll be available tonight,” DiComo reported. “He’s out of the starting lineup and testing his groin with as much baseball activity as it can handle.”
“Baty, however, ‘can say with certainty’ that it’s feeling better than it did two days ago,” he continued.
Baty exited early in Sunday’s 9-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. The 25-year-old went 0-for-2 before backup infielder Ronny Mauricio pinch-hit for him in the seventh inning.
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New York is two games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East despite its three-game losing streak. It’s also 6-4 over its last 10 contests.
Southpaw pitcher David Peterson (5-2, 2.49 ERA) will start for the Mets against Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (5-4, 3.11 ERA) on Tuesday night. The game is the beginning of New York’s road trip, which will continue against the Phillies on Friday.
Related: Mets Announce Injury News After Third Straight Loss
Related: Mets Receive Major News on Injured Pitcher
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Mets send out surprising lineup for Monday’s series opener against the White Sox
The New York Mets have won three of their last four games. With Mark Vientos sidelined again, the Mets turned to Jared Young. Young has a .877 OPS and five home runs in just 22 games at Triple-A. Brett Baty has been quietly catching fire, and Mendoza has rewarded him, moving him up from the depths of the lineup into the six-hole. The reshuffling feels like the moment before the wave crests, but with power behind it, they need to be alive now after these past few games. The Mets are looking for that perfect harmony, and even if they don’t, a timely hit here, a spark of confidence there can roar, and the team will fight back. The team has finally found its heartbeat again, and more importantly, it feels like it has found its way back to the top of the baseball world. It’s not dominance, not yet. But it’’s fight. It’s grit.
After losing five of six and leaving fans clutching their caps in frustration, the Mets have flipped the script. They’ve now won three of their last four games, including two gritty wins over the star-studded Dodgers.
It’s not dominance, not yet. But it’s fight. It’s grit. And more importantly, it feels like the team has finally found its heartbeat again.
Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Shifting gears at the plate: Mendoza’s lineup experiment
The lineup card may not seem like a dramatic battlefield, but for Carlos Mendoza, it’s been a scalpel in a surgeon’s hand.
The Mets’ offense, rich with talent on paper, has sputtered too often in reality, at least recently. So Mendoza started poking at the pieces—nudging, rearranging, hoping to draw some magic from the numbers.
That effort has birthed Monday’s eyebrow-raising lineup against the Chicago White Sox. With Mark Vientos sidelined again—mysteriously absent after a weekend return—the Mets turned to Jared Young.
A recently promoted designated hitter with big Triple-A numbers, Young was thrown straight into the fire over the weekend and has now landed in the heart of the order.
Call it bold. Call it risky. But Mendoza knows the team needs a spark, and sometimes, sparks come from the most unexpected stones.
Jared Young’s winding road leads to a chance
Young isn’t just filling a spot; he’s chasing a dream. His .877 OPS and five home runs in just 22 games at Triple-A weren’t flukes.
He did it last year with the Cardinals’ affiliate. He did it in Korea. Now, he’s here, searching for his first 2025 MLB hit.
Four plate appearances in, he’s still waiting—but that’s the beauty of baseball. Every pitch offers a new beginning. For Young, it’s like stepping onto a new stage, hoping the spotlight finally finds him.
He’s not alone. Brett Baty has been quietly catching fire, and Mendoza has rewarded him, moving him up from the depths of the lineup into the six-hole. It’s a statement: the youth movement isn’t just alive—it’s gaining momentum.
A reimagined top order starts with Lindor
Francisco Lindor is back at the leadoff spot, where his energy and speed can set the tone. Brandon Nimmo shifts to second, while Juan Soto, the team’s offensive anchor, takes his usual spot at third.
Pete Alonso follows, ready to bring thunder from the cleanup slot.
This reshuffling feels like the moment before the wave crests—measured, but with power behind it. Like a symphony finally tuning its instruments, the Mets are looking for that perfect harmony.
Lingering questions around Vientos
Vientos’ absence remains a mystery. After suffering abdominal discomfort on Friday, he returned briefly over the weekend.
But he’s out again Monday, and the team is quiet on the specifics. Whether it’s rest, caution or something more concerning, fans can only wait and hope the young slugger’s spark hasn’t been dimmed.
The decision could also be fueled by a desire to be better defensively, as Vientos didn’t look good over the weekend and hasn’t been a reliable third baseman in 2024 or 2025. Baty offers a more reliable glove.
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Bottom of the lineup still searching for rhythm
Rounding out the order are Tyrone Taylor, Jeff McNeil, and Francisco Alvarez. Taylor brings defensive prowess, McNeil remains a Swiss army knife, and Alvarez… well, he’s struggling.
The young catcher’s bat has yet to find consistency this season. But much like Jared Young, he doesn’t need to carry the team—just contribute. A timely hit here, a spark of confidence there, and even the quietest bats can roar.
The Mets don’t need to be perfect right now—they just need to be alive. And after these past few games, they finally are.
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The New York Mets moved into a tie for first place in the NL East with a big win over the Colorado Rockies Saturday. Juan Soto entered Mickey Mantle territory with a home run and a walk but Brett Baty led the way for New York with a three-run triple. After the game, Baty was asked about his sudden talent for tripling as he’s up to two on the year after having no triples heading into this season. “I don’t even know if I had any in the minor leagues,” Baty replied.
The New York Mets moved into a tie for first place in the NL East with a big win over the Colorado Rockies Saturday. Juan Soto entered Mickey Mantle territory with a home run and a walk but Brett Baty led the way for New York with a three-run triple.
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After the game, Baty was asked about his sudden talent for tripling as he’s up to two on the year after having no triples heading into this season. “I don’t even know if I had any in the minor leagues,” Baty replied, per SNY on X.
When told by a reporter that he actually had three triples in the minors, Baty responded, “Did I? OK. So almost matched that total.”
Brett Baty comes up big for the Mets
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Baty seems to have established himself in the Mets lineup. The former first-round pick back in 2019 struggled to stay in the majors since his big league debut in 2022. This year, he got another opportunity after Jesse Winker was injured in early May. And Baty has risen to the occasion.
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Manager Carlos Mendoza has noticed a difference in the infielder since his most recent call up. After Saturday’s three-RBI effort against the Rockies, Baty is slashing .250/.293/.474 with six home runs, 20 RBI, 14 runs scored, a 114 OPS+ and 1.3 bWAR in 40 games for the Mets.
New York has won six of the last seven games and managed to tie the Philadelphia Phillies for the division lead. Bryce Harper’s injury absence after he was hit by a pitch on the elbow last Tuesday has led to a Phillies slump. The team has lost three straight games and the Mets have capitalized.
When New York signed Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract during the offseason, Baty gave up his No. 22 for the star right fielder. Now Baty’s looking to create his own legacy with the Mets. And apparently that includes triples.
New York will take offensive contributions wherever the team can find them. With Soto struggling at the plate this season, the Mets are relying on the entire lineup for production as they attempt to take control of the division.
What to expect from Ronny Mauricio and where he fits in the Mets’ roster puzzle
Ronny Mauricio played in his first major-league game since late 2023. Mauricio replaced Mark Vientos (injured list, strained right hamstring), an important absence in the lineup. The switch-hitter went 0-for-4 with the strikeout against Clayton Kershaw’s breaking ball. He is good to go, with no limitations on his baserunning, club officials say, but they’ll put him on a similar schedule early on to what he experienced with Triple-A Syracuse. The 24-year-old missed all of last season because of knee surgery and its complications, and he only just started playing full back-to-back games in Triple A last week. He made a nice play on the run while fielding a grounder and later executed a rundown. He will play third base and second base along with seeing action at designated hitter. The Mets lost 6-5 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The game was the Mets’ first against the Dodgers this season.
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“We understand that’s an area where he needs to improve,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We’ll see him chase, especially with how good the pitching is here at the big-league level. That’s why I am saying, we gotta be patient with him.”
In the meantime, the Mets expect to see Mauricio’s other calling cards, namely his ability to hit balls exceedingly hard and exceedingly far. For the Mets, the tradeoff is worth it. Mauricio’s power didn’t show up in the Mets’ 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday; he went 0-for-4 with the strikeout against Kershaw’s breaking ball. But Mauricio’s offensive potential is why New York called on him, earlier than expected, to replace Mark Vientos (injured list, strained right hamstring), an important absence in the lineup.
“We also know that there’s impact there,” Mendoza said. “And he’s going to be aggressive. That’s part of what makes him who he is. He’s going to go out there, and he’s going to hack.”
Mauricio, a switch-hitter, started at third base and batted seventh. The Mets won’t know the severity of Vientos’ injury until they get his MRI results. On Tuesday night, Vientos flew to New York, where he was scheduled to do the test.
Without Vientos, expect to see a good amount of Mauricio. Mauricio will play third base and second base along with seeing action at designated hitter. On Tuesday, Mauricio made a nice play on the run while fielding a grounder and later executed a rundown.
After missing all of last season because of knee surgery and its complications, Mauricio endured a deliberate rehab process. He only just started playing full back-to-back games in Triple A last week. He is good to go, with no limitations on his baserunning, another key part of his game, club officials say, but they’ll put him on a similar schedule early on to what he experienced with Triple-A Syracuse.
“He’s going to get a lot of opportunities here,” Mendoza said, “but we’ll continue to watch him closely.”
Ronny Mauricio runs after Shohei Ohtani during the eighth inning. (Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images)
With Mauricio on the roster, it’s hard to see playing time for Luisangel Acuña, who had already been relegated to a bench role as of a couple weeks ago, appearing mostly as a defensive replacement. In May, Brett Baty and Jeff McNeil hit consistently while Acuña did not. Baty and McNeil should continue to draw starts at third base and second base. More than four hours before Tuesday’s game, Acuña showed up on the field as the first member of the Mets to take early batting practice. Mendoza floated center field as more of a possible option for Acuña, but was noncommittal.
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Essentially, the Mets swapped Vientos for Mauricio on their depth chart, though Mauricio offers more positional flexibility on the field and in the lineup.
“Yeah, you lose a player, a good player, in Mark Vientos, but you’re getting another one who is very talented as well,” Mendoza said. “We’ll continue to work that puzzle.”
Mauricio is the big new piece.
“I’m feeling great,” Mauricio said. “I’m feeling like I’m the same person I was before my surgery.”
Mauricio also said he was the same hitter, though he added, “I think the biggest difference is that I now have more experience, just more knowledge of the game so I think all of that helps me.”
There’ll be some growing pains because of his penchant for chasing, but his upside is real.
In Mendoza’s conversation with Mauricio ahead of Tuesday’s game, the manager tried to stress to the 24-year-old not to try to make up for lost time too quickly. Just be yourself and don’t try to do anything extra, Mendoza said he told Mauricio. After all, the Mets believe in Mauricio’s impressive tools enough to accept his flaws, at least for now, while giving him time to improve on them.
“I know there’s high expectations,” Mendoza said. “We don’t want him to be the savior.”
(Top photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)