Mark Vientos seems to be in the clear after dealing with abdominal pain recently.
On Saturday, the Mets’ third baseman and designated hitter took some swings in an indoor batting cage. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed hopes that Vientos could contribute as a bench player.
He also got a chance to pinch hit during a 5-2 win over the Dodgers at Citi Field.
Vientos had been replaced in Friday’s lineup as a precaution, due to worries over potential oblique issues. Fortunately, it turns out he just had some tightness. He ended up walking, so that’s definitely a positive sign.
“It’s not a major issue in this case, but whenever we talk about this kind of pain, it’s encouraging to see him swinging a bat the next day,” Mendoza noted.
Meanwhile, Mendoza has taken a day-to-day approach with Brandon Nimmo, who was absent from the starting lineup after experiencing a stiff neck. Nimmo mentioned feeling some improvement but was uncertain about returning on Sunday.
In light of needing a left-handed bat, the Mets considered Triple-A Syracuse player Jared Young. Jose Azocar was designated for assignment, allowing Young to start at designated hitter, while Sterling Marte played left field.
Edwin Diaz had impressive stats, working through 1²/₃ innings without giving up any hits and striking out three. Remarkably, he hasn’t allowed hits to the last 28 batters he faced since May 5th in Arizona.
Brandon Waddell was recalled the day after all eight relievers were utilized in a 7-5 loss to the Dodgers that went 13 innings, providing much-needed support for the bullpen. Genesis Cabrera was designated for assignment in connection with these roster changes.
Mendoza initially wanted to avoid using Huascar Brazobán on Friday, but he had no choice when the game extended into the 13th inning.
Mendoza indicated that if the game had lasted longer, the right-hander would have been ready to continue pitching.
The Dodgers managed to score two runs off Brazobán, leaving the Mets unable to respond in their half of that inning.
As for Griffin Canning, he pitched just 2²/₃ innings on Friday due to a long rain delay. Mendoza explained that it was crucial for the right-hander to maintain his regular pitching schedule.
Canning is set to face the White Sox on Wednesday.
