BOSTON — So, the Mets have been really valuing Brett Baty’s bat lately, but it turns out his glovework has been the real star since he came back to the team. Manager Carlos Mendoza has been all about boosting the defense, and he’s been giving Baty more time at third base, with Mark Vientos taking on the role of DH. According to Statcast, Baty was sitting at a plus-1 in outs above average, which puts him in the 70th percentile in MLB. He’s been shining, especially when it comes to those hard-hit balls.
Mendoza has been raving about Baty’s skills, praising his internal clock, awareness, footwork, and arm. He’s loving how Baty can throw from different angles and thinks he’s really in his element right now. During the Mets’ recent 2-0 loss to the Red Sox at Fenway Park, Baty made another jaw-dropping play by barehanding Trevor Story’s chopper in the fourth inning and turning it into an out. With players like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso going through defensive slumps, Baty has been a rock-solid presence on the field. “I think I am playing real good defense right now,” said Baty.
The Mets have been struggling to hit homers, going five games without one before facing tough pitchers like Paul Skenes, Carlos Rodón, and Max Fried. Mendoza acknowledged the strength of the opposing pitching staff and emphasized the need for adjustments. Despite the drought, he plans to stick with the current starting rotation for the upcoming series against the Dodgers at Citi Field. Paul Blackburn is set to pitch in his final rehab appearance, expected to throw 80 pitches. Meanwhile, Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea are working their way back from injuries, with Montas scheduled for a live batting practice session and Manaea set to throw off a mound after starting the season on the injured list.
