Manager Carlos Mendoza said he wasn’t ready to decide whether to start Brett Batty or Mark Vientos, who he said have been competing for the third base spot since Vientos was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on May 15.
“We’re going to continue to monitor the situation day by day,” Mendoza said after the Mets’ rained-out game against the Dodgers at Citi Field on Monday. “We’ll make sure both teams have playing time and we’ll make a decision when we feel like we need to make a decision. But right now, [we haven’t]. ”
Interestingly, before the rainout, the right-handed hitter Vientos was in the lineup to face Dodgers right-hander Gavin Stone, who has a slightly better record against righties than lefties.
Meanwhile, Vientos’ OPS is just .694 against right-handers and 1.585 against left-handers.
Mendoza said he’s not sure how the third basemen will handle Tuesday’s doubleheader, but he doesn’t want to rest either player too long before starting.
The left-handed Battie started at third base in the Giants’ previous two games when they used right-handed pitchers in both games.
“It might depend on the opponent,” Mendoza said of his decision.
“It sucks to have these guys out for more than three or four days, but they understand,” Mendoza said. “My job is to put them in a position to be successful. … There’s a balance there and we’re working on that right now.”
When asked before the game why he wasn’t facing the right-hander, Batty replied, “It’s not my decision to include him in the lineup so if I’m there I’ll prepare the same way as if I’m not. The most important thing is to win the game.”
The two players’ batting performances haven’t been that different recently, with Batty owning just a .465 OPS over his past 16 games and Vientos owning a 1.134 OPS in his seven games since being recalled.
While the two third base positions are being contested, Battey has worked out at second base and shortstop, but Mendoza said he would likely be used in the middle of the infield only in an emergency.
The Mets have been without a true backup center fielder since Joey Wendle was released last week.
Drew Smith (shoulder) reported OK after playing in a minor league rehab game Sunday.
The right-hander will likely make three more rehab appearances before he’s eligible to return to the bullpen.
Jose Butt was named the International League Pitcher of the Week on Monday after pitching his second consecutive strong game for Triple-A Syracuse, allowing no runs in 11 innings and striking out 11 batters.
With David Peterson scheduled to make his season debut on Wednesday after undergoing offseason hip surgery, Mendoza said he has high hopes for the left-handed pitcher.
“His pitches are as electrifying as we’ve seen them before,” Mendoza said. “He has deception and vitality. [on his pitches] And when he’s on a roll, he can be pretty tough.”
