Mets Navigate Injuries and Rotation Challenges as Trade Rumors Linger New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco missed Thursday’s game due to a lingering Achilles injury, with manager Carlos Mendoza indicating the team has not ruled out a stint on the injured list. Polanco, acquired to serve as the club’s primary first baseman after Pete Alonso’s trade to the Orioles, has been limited to designated hitter appearances since starting the season at the position. Mendoza told reporters, including Will Sammon of The Athletic, that Polanco’s absence ended a streak of four consecutive starts. The veteran’s injury has prompted the Mets to rely on Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Jared Young to fill in at first base. Vientos has taken over regular work at the cold corner following the Juan Soto injury, which opened up right field opportunities for Baty. The former prospect has thrived in his increased playing time, slashing .323/.353/.484 across 34 plate appearances. Baty, meanwhile, has struggled to capitalize on his chances, but the injuries have allowed the Mets to evaluate both players more extensively. Vientos’ performance has been a bright spot in a lineup that has faced challenges due to the absence of key contributors. Mendoza has expressed no immediate plans to adjust the pitching rotation, despite David Peterson’s recent struggles. The lefty allowed five earned runs in his last two starts, pushing his ERA over 6.00 through 14 2/3 innings. The Diamondbacks capitalized on Peterson’s woes on Wednesday, scoring five runs in the second inning after a quick lead in the first. Peterson’s performance has been a continuation of his second-half decline in 2025, following an All-Star season that saw him post a 7.74 ERA over 10 starts from August onward.#new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #mark_vientos #jorge_polanco #brett_baty
Mets' Brett Baty Earns Opening Day Start as Designated Hitter Brett Baty has been named the New York Mets’ Opening Day starter, set to play as the designated hitter and bat sixth in the lineup during Thursday’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The decision was announced as part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 season, with Baty facing right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes in the first game. His selection over right-handed-hitting Mark Vientos highlights the Mets’ strategy to leverage Baty’s left-handed power against right-handed starters. Baty, a versatile utility player, is expected to see significant playing time in multiple positions throughout the season. While his Opening Day role is at designated hitter, he is also likely to start at first base when facing right-handed pitching. However, the team has opted to give rookie Jorge Polanco his first career start at first base in the opener, signaling a potential shift in the lineup’s dynamics. The Mets’ decision to prioritize Baty for the Opening Day start reflects his role as a key offensive contributor. His ability to hit left-handed pitching effectively makes him a valuable asset in matchups against right-handed starters, a common scenario in the National League. Baty’s inclusion in the lineup also underscores the team’s focus on maximizing his batting skills while managing the workload of other players. Beyond the Opening Day lineup, the Mets have been monitoring Baty’s progress as he continues to develop his game. Recent updates indicate he is recovering from a minor hamstring injury sustained during spring training, which has limited his playing time in recent weeks. Despite the setback, his presence in the Opening Day lineup suggests the team remains confident in his readiness to contribute at the start of the season.#new_york_mets #paul_skenes #pittsburgh_pirates #mark_vientos #brett_baty
