PHILADELPHIA — After playing nine games in eight days, the Mets got some rest before the Division Series.
Manager Carlos Mendoza called it a “reset” day, with several pitchers playing catch, several players receiving treatment and nearly everyone catching their breath.
Mark Vientos hit rock bottom before the season started, giving himself time to reflect on the season as it rose above the clouds.
“It’s crazy because I think so.” [Friday] “Today was the first day I kind of sat back and thought about what I was doing,” Vientos said before the Mets and Phillies opened the NLDS at Citizens Bank Park. “Because when you're in it, you don't really see it. You don't even sit there and do nothing and think, 'Oh my gosh.' Okay, let's keep winning, next at-bat, next pitch, next play, etc.
“but [Friday]I had the day off, so I just sat there and thought, “Dude, this is crazy.” ”
The frenzy continued on Saturday, when Vientos had two hits (his second tying hit in the 8th inning) and another spectacular come-from-behind victory. In this game, they defeated the Phillies 6-2 and took Game 1 of the National League.
Vientos seems to be in the middle of every Mets rally, and is an essential part of continuing to hit. His journey to this moment certainly makes it all that more fascinating.
Returning to spring training, the Mets officially signed J.D. Martinez on March 23, effectively ending Vientos' shot at the major leagues.
Vientos lost the DH battle to free agency, losing the third base spot to Brett Batty.
The player, who played in 81 games in MLB over the past two seasons but didn't hit much, wants to prove himself in the majors and will start this year with Triple-A Syracuse.
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He smashed 23 appearances in the minor leagues before his first shot in 2024, when he was called up in late April as Starling Marte was placed on the bereavement list. In the second game, Vientos hit a walk-off, two-run home run to defeat the Cardinals.
Two days later, he had to make a choice.
Marte is back.
He played eight more games with Syracuse and will likely play his final Triple-A game on May 12. Then he finally got the call — for good — and never looked back (until Friday).
With Batty's bat not turning, Vientos began to buy time.
The two unproven players shared the No. 3 spot until May 30, during which time Vientos posted an .882 OPS.
The next day, Batty was optioned and the Mets found a new third baseman.
Vientos hasn't stopped hitting since winning the job he lost a few months ago.
Not only did he hit 27 home runs in 111 games with an .837 OPS. That's because his OPS hasn't dropped below .700 in a month, and he's been the most consistent member of the Mets' lineup since being called up permanently.
“His work is very stable,” co-hitting coach Eric Chavez said of Vientos this summer. “I think the biggest adjustment he’s made is his offspeed. … This is different than Triple-A where you can score 92 points. [mph] Middle and hanging sliders. ”
In his major league chances last season, Vientos smashed his fastball, but little else.
After strengthening his breaking balls and off-speed pitches during batting practice this year, he hit .286 with a .531 slugging percentage against off-speed pitches.
A player who was judged not to be good enough to be on the opening roster once again made it to the top by batting second, which is guaranteed to be the best batter in the batting lineup in the modern game.
“What's happening is certainly unreal,” Vientos said. “And I’m excited to continue doing this.”
