Brett Baty is getting more playing time at third base due to his defense.

Brett Baty’s Defensive Improvement for the Mets

BOSTON – The Mets are really valuing Brett Baty’s left-handed swing, but it’s his defensive skills that have stood out since his return to the team.

To enhance his defense, manager Carlos Mendoza recently shifted Mark Vientos to designated hitter and has been relying on three batters pretty often.

As per Statcast, Baty has been performing well, registering above-average metrics, placing him in the 70th percentile of MLB players.

He particularly shone on hard-hit balls.

“I really admire his internal clock, awareness, footwork, and arm strength,” Mendoza commented before the Mets lost 2-0 to the Red Sox at Fenway Park. “His ability to throw from various angles shows he’s in a good groove at the moment.”

During the same game, Baty made another impressive play, handling a chopper from Trevor Story in the fourth inning and converting it into an out.

Baty has brought stability, especially crucial while Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso had some defensive challenges.

“I feel like I’m playing solid defense right now,” Baty stated.

The Mets faced a tough stretch, going five games without a home run leading up to Tuesday.

This dry spell occurred while facing quality pitchers like Paul Skens, Carlos Rodon, and Max Fried.

“Sken and those guys are no joke,” Mendoza expressed. “This is a formidable pitching lineup. Adjustments are necessary; they’re making their changes. It’s rare for us to have five games without a homer.”

Mendoza indicated he plans to set the starting rotation beyond this series, with Griffin Canning, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga scheduled to pitch against the Dodgers at Citifield this weekend.

On Wednesday, Paul Blackburn is set to make his last rehab appearance, expected to throw around 80 pitches.

The right-handed pitcher, who had been in the bullpen after returning (assuming no injuries to starters), has been recovering from inflammation in his right knee since spring training wrapped up.

Meanwhile, Frankie Montas is slated to pitch live batting practice (two innings) on Tuesday, while Shawn Manaea is anticipated to return to the mound. Montas is recovering from a shoulder injury, while Manaea is working through a strained lat.