Mets third baseman Brett Baty needs surgery for a torn ligament in his thumb, which could cost him the remainder of the season. Still, it appears unlikely that the team will recall third baseman Mark Vientos from Triple-A Syracuse when rosters expand on Thursday.
The Mets, according to people familiar with their thinking, will prioritize defensive versatility in selecting which position player to recall. Under the new rules, teams can expand rosters from 26 to just 28.
The Mets consider Vientos an improving defensive first baseman and a hitter with significant potential. Before trading for Darin Ruf earlier this month, the Mets were considering calling him up as a right-handed designated hitter. He has a .902 OPS and 23 home runs this year for Triple-A Syracuse.
But Ruf is now on board, and Vientos does not fit the description of defensive versatility that the Mets are seeking.
“We’re hoping he finishes up strong down there and completes a pretty good season,” manager Buck Showalter said Wednesday afternoon about Vientos.
In Baty’s absence, the Mets have Eduardo Escobar to play third. Jeff McNeil, of course, has experience at the position. And Luis Guillorme, on the injured list with a groin injury, could start a rehab assignment this weekend.