Mark Vientos is one step closer to returning to the New York Mets.
The Mets announced on Thursday that Vientos will begin a rehab assignment on Friday with the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
Vientos has been on the injured list since July 10 with a fractured right hand after getting hit by a pitch against the Kansas City Royals. This news also comes after Vientos was seen taking batting practice and participating in fielding drills on Wednesday.
It’s been a disappointing season for the 26-year-old, who is slashing just .211/.256/.388 with 11 home runs, 35 RBI and a .644 OPS in 73 games.
Despite this update, the Mets have not made any announcement regarding Vientos’ potential return to the major league roster.
Since being placed on the IL, Jared Young has filled in very nicely at first base for New York. Through 79 games this season, Young is batting .270/.337/.447 with eight homers, 30 RBI and an OPS of .784. Young has also provided a much-better glove at first base over Vientos and is a better baserunner than Vientos, according to Baseball Savant.
Young’s solid season has been an even bigger boost for the Mets, especially after expected full-time first baseman Jorge Polanco appeared in just 37 games this season due to left Achilles bursitis, which ultimately required season-ending surgery.
While it is very unlikely both Vientos and Young will be a part of the Mets’ full-time plans at first base, Vientos’ return from the shelf will provide some more depth at the position for the remainder of the season.
After back-to-back poor seasons, Vientos is in danger of being non-tendered by the Mets in the offseason.
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