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Mets Facing Mark Vientos Decision After Unfortunate News
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Mets Facing Mark Vientos Decision After Unfortunate News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino  |  Last updated Sep 18, 2026 4:54 PM ET
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The New York Mets have shifted their lineup on Friday, a day after first baseman Jared Young left Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies after a scary collision.

Ronny Mauricio is back with the Mets, taking over Young’s spot on the roster, per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. With Mauricio’s return, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos should have opportunities to play first base.

Young was struck in the head by the knee of pitcher Nolan McLean when the two collided while chasing a sixth-inning grounder from Justin Crawford. He was carried off on a stretcher and taken to the hospital, and the Mets went on to lose 3-0.

MLB.com lists Young as having a likely concussion with no timetable for his return. A CT scan came back negative, but he was experiencing concussion symptoms.

The move leaves Vientos and Baty as the likely options at first base for the final nine games of the season. Vientos is hitting .217 with a .669 OPS, with 13 home runs and 39 RBIs this season. On the defensive side, he leads the league with eight errors at first base and a .981 fielding percentage, trailing the .993 league average at the position.

Vientos moved across the diamond to first base after poor defensive marks at third base last season.


New York Mets first baseman Mark Vientos (27) Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Baty doesn’t fare much better either, struggling at first with three errors and a .970 fielding percentage in 115 2/3 innings. His .229 batting average at the plate with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs, while not the best, provides the Mets with a higher ceiling than Vientos.

With the Mets out of playoff contention, how they divide first-base reps over the final nine games of the season could hint at how they view Vientos heading into 2027.

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

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