SAN DIEGO — Brett Batey was a candidate to return to the Mets with a September promotion next weekend, but it’s now clear that won’t happen.
The team announced Sunday that the third baseman broke his left index finger after being hit by a pitch during a check swing during Thursday’s game against Triple-A Syracuse.
Return to play usually takes 4-6 weeks.
“It’s a big blow,” manager Carlos Mendoza said after the Mets’ 3-2 loss to the Padres at Petco Park. “Especially with the way things are going this season, his name is one of the candidates we’ll be considering going into September, but now we just have to get him healthy. It’s a big blow for him and for us.”
Battie began this season as the Mets’ starting third baseman and posted an .886 OPS in 58 games this season with Syracuse.
Mark Vientos has been outstanding as the Mets’ starting third baseman over the past three months, taking a back seat to Batty.
But with the designated hitter and first base positions unclear next year (Vientos could play either position), the 24-year-old Battey, who also played second base at Syracuse University, has not been forgotten.
“I think he’s doing well defensively and is producing well,” Mets team president David Stearns said earlier this month.
This is the second time Batty has been sidelined by injury late in the season.
Two years ago, Batey was promoted and given the opportunity to make his major league debut in August.
However, Batty ruptured ligaments in his thumb, requiring arthroscopic surgery and causing him to miss the remainder of the season.
Phil Mutton recorded the final out in the eighth inning and has now not allowed a run in 14 of his 17 appearances since being acquired from the Rays.
Francisco Lindor’s five grand slams for the Mets (he hit his fifth Saturday) are tied for second-most in franchise history with John Milner, Howard Johnson, Robin Ventura, Yoenis Cespedes, Carlos Beltran and Kevin McReynolds. Mike Piazza holds the team record with six.
