Vientos returns to Mets' lineup after missing 2 games with groin discomfort

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NEW YORK (AP) — Third baseman Mark Vientos was back in the New York Mets' lineup Tuesday night against Philadelphia after missing two games due to groin discomfort.

Vientos left Saturday’s 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth, one inning after making a leaping catch. Brett Baty played third on Sunday and Monday.

With the first-place Mets facing Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez in the middle game of their series, Vientos returned to the cleanup spot in the batting order.

“Just been taking care of it, recovering, and stick to that process. So, it feels good,” Vientos said following a 5-1 victory that extended New York’s winning streak to six games.

The 25-year-old Vientos entered hitting .167 with two home runs, six RBIs and a .565 OPS. He was 0 for 13 against lefties this season and 1 for 22 with runners in scoring position — although he went deep last Thursday and Friday for his first two homers of the year.

But he improved all those numbers with a two-out RBI double off Sánchez in the first inning.

“It's crazy. It doesn't feel different at all. I feel like I've been doing the same thing. I'm just finding holes now," Vientos said. "I think that's the hardest part about this game is just not getting away from yourself, no matter if you have results or not.”

Then he turned in a difficult defensive play in the second that saved at least one run — aided by a tough scoop from first baseman Pete Alonso.

“I gave him a big hug right after that,” Vientos said with a smile. “He gets underappreciated for how good he is over there.”

Vientos had a breakout season in 2024, hitting .266 with 27 homers, 71 RBIs and an .837 OPS. He added five home runs during the playoffs and set a Mets postseason record with 14 RBIs as New York reached the National League Championship Series.

Left fielder Brandon Nimmo was rested against the lefty, with the Mets in a stretch of 13 straight games without an off day. José Azócar started in Nimmo’s place and batted ninth.

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