BOSTON — The third member of the “Baby Mets” rejoined the team Friday.
But as was the case before he departed last month, Mark Vientos could have to attend for his opportunities.
Vientos was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse because the alternative for Starling Marte, who was placed on the injured list Thursday with migraines.
Vientos was on the bench because the Mets opened a series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Manager Buck Showalter said he plans to choose his spots with Vientos, who, in his first stint with the Mets this season, appeared in 16 games and posted a .173/.244/.259 slash line with one homer and five RBIs in 45 at-bats.
At Syracuse, the 23-year-old rookie had a .307/.386/.614 slash line with 16 homers and 50 RBIs, with most of his work coming at third base.
“My swing feels good — all the pieces feels good,” Vientos said. “I don’t really see that I had any adjustments to make. There’s things I desired to work now, because I’m not pretty much as good as I need to be … but hitting straight away, I feel good.”
Vientos admitted it was difficult for him to spend most of his time on the bench during his last stint with the Mets, but he also understands the situation, because the team stays committed to Daniel Vogelbach as the first DH.
Vientos’ other options are first base and third base, however the Mets have each of those spots covered, with Pete Alonso and Brett Baty, respectively.
“I feel prefer it’s just the situation I’m in,” Vientos said. “And now it’s how am I going to cope with this case that’s going to indicate who I’m as an individual and I feel like I’m confident and whatever is thrown at me I’m ready for it.”
How can Vientos stay ready?
“Just keep picking people’s brains,” he said. “Attempting to work out, ask questions of men on my team about what they think I can do. Ask the coaches questions on what they think I should do.
“And whatever works for me works and just run with it.”
Showalter said he was unsure whether Vientos would start against James Paxton on Saturday on condition that the veteran lefty is tougher against right-handed batters than left-handed batters. “I’m going to take it everyday with him,” Showalter said. “We’re attempting to compete every night and if I feel there’s a superb spot for him we’ll do it. If he can assist us win that night we’ll use him.
“He’s going to achieve his level no matter how he’s used up here the remaining of the way in which.”
Vientos, Baty and Francisco Alvarez, the rookie position players on the roster, received the moniker “Baby Mets” earlier this season.
From that group, Alvarez has produced at the very best level and has emerged as certainly one of the sport’s most fun rookies.
“I told him that I used to be going to follow him and do all the pieces he’s doing today, because I need to do exactly what you’re doing,” Vientos said. “He’s a tough employee and hard staff all the time receives a commission off.”
Vientos fulfilled one dream before the sport Friday by venturing contained in the Green Monster and signing his name on the wall.
The practice has grow to be a rite of passage for players of their first game at Fenway.
“I posted on my Instagram that little Mark can be proud,” Vientos said. “That’s just something I actually have been dreaming about since I used to be little.
“Not even playing, more so being here within the stadium and looking out around and seeing quite a lot of great players that played on this stadium for years and years. … It’s just surreal to be here and give you the chance to play baseball here.”
