New York Mets corner infielder Mark Vientos is once again having a disappointing season. After breaking out during the 2024 season and helping lead the Mets all the way to the NLCS, Vientos has not built upon that success.
In fact, he has continued to worsen since then. Across 72 games this year, the 26-year-old has posted a .211 batting average, .253 on-base percentage, .641 OPS, 11 home runs and 35 RBIs.
His power is still there, but he has not gotten on base much beyond that and has continued to strike out frequently with 61 punchouts in just 253 plate appearances.
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Unfortunately, Vientos may now be sidelined for some time. During Thursday's game against the Kansas City Royals, Vientos was struck on the right hand by a sinker from Royals right-hander Michael Wacha in the bottom of the second inning. He initially remained in the game and trotted to first base.
However, in the top of the third inning he was removed from the contest, with Tyrone Taylor stepping in his place and Brett Baty shifting to the vacated spot at third base.
After the game, interim manager Andy Green announced an unfortunate update on Vientos' condition. He has suffered a right hand fracture and will head to the injured list.
With Vientos now sidelined long-term, the Mets have a decision to make on who will replace him. The obvious answer is to recall Ronny Mauricio from Triple-A, as he is capable of handling not only third base but also shortstop and second base, and he has plenty of big-league experience.
However, the Mets may go an alternate route considering Mauricio was optioned earlier this week and may benefit from a longer stint in the minor leagues before returning.
For Vientos, this injury could not come at a worse time in his career, as he was already under pressure to prove he belongs in an everyday role at the big-league level.
