BOSTON — The third member of the “Baby Mets” rejoined the team Friday.
But as was the case before he departed last month, Mark Vientos will have to wait for his opportunities.
Vientos was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse as the replacement for Starling Marte, who was placed on the injured list Thursday with migraines.
Vientos was on the bench as the Mets opened a series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Manager Buck Showalter said he plans to pick his spots with Vientos, who, in his first stint with the Mets this season, appeared in 16 games and posted a .173/.244/.259 slash line with one homer and five RBIs in 45 at-bats.
At Syracuse, the 23-year-old rookie had a .307/.386/.614 slash line with 16 homers and 50 RBIs, with most of his work coming at third base.
“My swing feels good — everything feels good,” Vientos said. “I don’t really see that I had any adjustments to make. There’s things I wanted to work now, because I’m not as good as I want to be … but hitting right now, I feel good.”
Vientos admitted it was difficult for him to spend most of his time on the bench during his last stint with the Mets, but he also understands the situation, as the team remains committed to Daniel Vogelbach as the primary DH.
Vientos’ other options are first base and third base, but the Mets have both of those spots covered, with Pete Alonso and Brett Baty, respectively.
“I feel like it’s just the situation I’m in,” Vientos said. “And now it’s how am I going to deal with this situation that is going to show who I am as a person and I feel like I’m confident and whatever is thrown at me I’m ready for it.”
How can Vientos stay ready?
“Just keep picking people’s brains,” he said. “Trying to figure out, ask questions of guys on my team about what they think I can do. Ask the coaches questions on what they think I should do.
“And whatever works for me works and just run with it.”
Showalter said he was unsure whether Vientos would start against James Paxton on Saturday given that the veteran lefty is tougher against right-handed batters than left-handed batters. “I am going to take it day to day with him,” Showalter said. “We’re trying to compete every night and if I feel there’s a good spot for him we’ll do it. If he can help us win that night we’ll use him.
“He’s going to reach his level regardless of how he’s used up here the rest of the way.”
Vientos, Baty and Francisco Alvarez, the rookie position players on the roster, received the moniker “Baby Mets” earlier this season.
From that group, Alvarez has produced at the highest level and has emerged as one of the game’s most exciting rookies.
“I told him that I was going to follow him and do everything he’s doing today, because I want to do exactly what you’re doing,” Vientos said. “He’s a hard worker and hard workers always get paid off.”
Vientos fulfilled one dream before the game Friday by venturing inside the Green Monster and signing his name on the wall.
The practice has become a rite of passage for players in their first game at Fenway.
“I posted on my Instagram that little Mark would be proud,” Vientos said. “That is just something I have been dreaming about since I was little.
“Not even playing, more so being here in the stadium and looking around and seeing a lot of great players that played in this stadium for years and years. … It’s just surreal to be here and be able to play baseball here.”