Mark Ventus’ lack of productivity when given the chance to play along with his fit in the Mets’ frame turned him into a roster casualty on Sunday.
The rookie to Triple-A Syracuse was named a counter-step to returning Pete Alonso from the injured list.
Vientos has had a .178/.225/.244 slant with one homer and five RBIs in 49 plate appearances since being called up last month.
The Mets were committed to Daniel Vogelbach as left-handed DH and Tommy Pham’s recent rush from the right side left Ventus with few chances.
“while [Vientos] said manager Buck Showalter before the Mets lost 8-7 to the Cardinals at Citi Field. “He had to run with her quickly, that’s the way it works here. What’s hard for me is you’re trying to develop players and you’re trying to win a baseball game and it’s always hard.”
The team’s brass wasn’t comfortable with Vientos using the field so wide, which limited his opportunities.
Vientos will continue to work at third and first base for Syracuse, according to Showalter.
“He’s shown an ability to hit the ball hard when there’s contact – just like a lot of players – but he has the opportunity to be a good hitter,” Showalter said. “I think he’s starting to take some defensive steps.”
Vientos joined rookies Francisco Alvarez and Brett Batty as part of the ‘Baby Mets’.
Alvarez and Patty played regulars at third base and catcher, respectively.
“I think Mark at some point, the waters may break, and he may play every day somewhere, somewhere,” Showalter said. “We just felt Mark needed to get some at bat and they might not be there at this time. But things can change.”
Jose Quintana pitched 3 runs (46 pitches) and allowed 2 unearned runs in a minor league rehab start for Single-A Saint Lucie.
It was the second rehab appearance for the veteran left fielder, who will join the Mets’ rotation in early July if he remains on schedule.
Quintana had a bone graft on a rib during spring training after he was diagnosed with a stress fracture and a benign lesion.
Brandon Nimmo has reached base in 12 consecutive games and has a . 915 OPS over this stretch.
