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WASHINGTON Mark Vientos was recalled to the Mets on May 15 and from his first game started contributing offensively to a team that was in need of such a boost. The early returns were positive, but could he maintain it? Its still too early to call the 24-year-old third baseman the real deal, but with each pa sing day Vientos is reinforcing the idea he belongs. Mark Vientos belts a two-run homer in the third inning of the Mets 7-5 lo s to the Nationals. Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports It seems like every time we win he contributes, Francisco Lindor said. Or even when the Mets lose: Vientos on Wednesday blasted a two-run homer in the fourth inning against Michael Parker in the . Vientos owns a .297/.352/.579 slash line with 11 homers and 29 RBIs in 41 games. Explore More Whether its Dwayne Sutton Jersey been against right-handed or left-handed pitching he has produced and his defense has been acceptable enough to keep him on the field every day. For Vientos, who has bounced between Triple-A Syracuse and the Mets for the last two seasons, its been the perfect marriage of proving he can play in the major leagues and helping the team win. That is what its all about, Vientos said. My job here is to help the team as much as I can and that is to help win games. I am happy for the succe s we are having right now and I want to keep going. I am happy but not satisfied because we have still got a long season ahead of us. Scouts still question if Vientos can handle velocity high in the strike zone and whether hes got the instincts to play third base, but he has already pa sed one big test in manager Carlos Mendozas estimation in that pitchers have already seen enough of Vientos to start adjusting against him and the player has responded. They are adjusting to him and whether its laying off some breaking balls, right-on-right or staying ready for the fastball, controlling the strike zone the confidence is there, Mendoza said. Vientos has largely excelled at getting the barrel of the bat on the ball with a high swing velocity. An open mind has also helped. Mets third base Mark Vientos hits a home run against the Yankees. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post One of the best things he has got going for him, he asks a lot of questions, Lindor said. When it comes to approach, hitting stance, defense. What we have done on certain plays and how he handles himself on and off the field and stuff like that. He asks a lot of good questions. If Vientos bat wasnt percolating it would be easier for the Mets to focus on his minus-2 outs above average that placed him only in MLBs 27th percentile for third baseman, but to the naked eye his miscues havent been pronounced. Mark Vientos Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Hes an offensive player and defense is something that he is going to have to battle with probably his whole career because he is more offense than defense, Lindor said. He is going to have to stay with it and work a lot. But Vientos, who projects more as a first baseman and DH, envisions himself remaining at third base and steadily improving. I have always wanted it, Vientos said. And when you want something and put the work toward it I am a big believer that you will eventually get it. I have always wanted to play this position and obviously that is where I am at right now. It could change whenever, but as of right now that is where my mindset is and I am happy with it and I want to stay here. D'Angelo Russell Jersey |
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