Mets Facing Mark Vientos Decision After Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 4:51 PM ET

Mark Vientos has been the New York Mets most reliable contributor over the past two weeks. The 26-year-old has appeared in 10 games so far this season and has produced, posting a .323 batting average, .353 on-base percentage, .837 OPS, one home run and five RBIs.

However, Vientos is only getting this opportunity because Jorge Polanco has been dealing with an Achilles injury. That window may be closing soon.

On Thursday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Polanco’s injury is not serious and that he can play through the discomfort, meaning he will not need a stint on the injured list.

Vientos has the ability to play both corner infield positions and designated hitter. But the Mets have multiple left-handed options at those spots, including Brett Baty, Polanco and Jared Young, who all occupy those roles long-term.

New York Mets infielder Mark Vientos (27)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The recent recall of Ronny Mauricio, another left-handed option brought up after Juan Soto’s injury, has only added to the congestion. Francisco Alvarez also receives occasional DH days to get off his feet, which further complicates Vientos path to consistent playing time.

His situation becomes even more difficult against right-handed starting pitchers. New York prefers to stack its lineup with three impactful left-handed bats such as Baty, Polanco and Young. That preference was clear on Thursday.

Even with Polanco still sidelined, Vientos was not in the lineup. Mauricio played third base, Young started at first base and Mendoza gave Bo Bichette a DH day to rest. It leaves the Mets with a decision to make on Vientos and whether he is destined to be a full-time platoon hitter this season, especially given how dominant he has been against left-handed pitching.

Friday night ⚫️ #LGM pic.twitter.com/twvQIXOwwN
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 10, 2026

The question now is whether there is a path for Vientos to earn everyday at-bats if he continues to perform at this level. He looked like an everyday player in 2024 and played a major role in the Mets run to the NLCS. Injuries and inconsistency have reduced his role since then, but this season may represent a turning point.

With the Mets battling injuries and searching for stability, Vientos has a chance to force his way into the lineup and remind the organization why he once projected as a core piece of their future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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