Story perspectives

Vientos Out Weeks, Wagaman Steps In; Holmes Rehabs Broken Leg

7/11/2026

Summary

Vientos Out

Mark Vientos will miss several weeks after a 92 mph fastball fractured his right hand.
He was batting .211 with 11 homers and 35 RBI in 73 games.
Manager Andy Green said Eric Wagaman will likely take Vientos’ playing time.
Clay Holmes threw live batting practice on Friday while rehabbing a broken right leg.
Holmes holds a 2027 player option and could be a trade target.

Summary

Mets Shuffle

The Mets shifted center-fielder Brandon Ewing to second base for his first major-league start there.
Outfielder Tyrone Taylor assumed center field to replace the injured Vientos.
Infielder Brett Baty moved to third base, anchoring the hot corner for the rest of the game.
The front office named recently optioned infielder Ronny Mauricio as the top recall candidate.
Officials said additional minor-league promotions will keep roster depth in the coming weeks.

Summary

Vientos Power

Mark Vientos hit 27 homers in 2024, far more than his 11 in 2026.
The Mets rotate Francisco Alvarez, Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto as designated hitters when not in the field.
Third-base coach Tim Leiper was the first staffer to reach Vientos after Michael Wacha’s fastball struck him.
Rookie A.J. Ewing played 53 minor-league games at second base before debuting at the position in the majors.

History

Historical Context

When the American League voted 8–4 on Jan 11 1973 to trial the designated hitter, the New York Yankees’ Ron Blomberg became the first DH on April 6, raising the league’s batting average above the National League. The Mets now rotate Francisco Alvarez, Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto as DHs, showing how the 1973 flexibility still helps teams manage injuries.

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Vientos Out

Mark Vientos will miss several weeks after a 92 mph fastball fractured his right hand.
He was batting .211 with 11 homers and 35 RBI in 73 games.
Manager Andy Green said Eric Wagaman will likely take Vientos’ playing time.
Clay Holmes threw live batting practice on Friday while rehabbing a broken right leg.
Holmes holds a 2027 player option and could be a trade target.

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