As expected, Mark Vientos was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.
Less expected, at least from a few days prior, was the degree of difficulty in delivering the news to Vientos.
The Mets had called up the slugging infielder/designated hitter on Saturday, when Starling Marte left the club because of a death in the family and was placed on the bereavement list, and the team knew Vientos would be sent back down quickly upon Marte’s return.
Vientos’ brief time will be remembered for his game-winning home run in the 11th inning Sunday.
He brought immediate offense (3-for-7 with that homer and two RBIs) to a team that has needed it.
He played a passable third base Monday.
“I think I’ve been doing my job,” Vientos said after receiving the news that his job would be relocated to Syracuse for the time being.
The Mets are sticking with Brett Baty as their mostly everyday third baseman.
J.D. Martinez will get the majority of time at DH.
They could have made a more drastic move with Joey Wendle to clear a roster spot, but that would have left them without a backup shortstop.
DJ Stewart could have been optioned, but the outfielder/DH has swung well — a fact reinforced by Stewart’s three-run, tie-breaking homer in Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Cubs at Citi Field.
The Mets acknowledged that Vientos helped them over the weekend but decided there is not a space on the roster.
“He’s doing everything we’re asking him to do,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before addressing his message to Vientos: “Continue to get better, continue to get reps. Right now we don’t have that opportunity for you, but just know that we’ll be watching obviously.”
It has been a trying start to the season for Vientos, who may have been lined up to be the Opening Day DH before Martinez was signed late in camp.
Mendoza remembered a “tough” conversation at the end of spring with Vientos, who was “pretty upset” when he learned he had not made the team.
Vientos reported to Triple-A and continued to crush the lower quality of pitching (.923 OPS) before an opportunity arose.
Vientos took advantage of that opportunity, even if it didn’t translate to a longer stint.
“I was hoping for longer,” said Vientos, who was frustrated but accepted the demotion “very professionally,” Mendoza said.
“He’ll get his opportunity here and he’s going to be a big part of this team moving forward.”
Though activated, Marte did not play Tuesday. Mendoza said the team had not seen Marte for several days, and the outfielder has been busy with family matters and flights.
Stewart started and starred in right field. Mendoza anticipated Marte would start Wednesday.
Adam Ottavino, who pitched a perfect eighth inning, has retired 28 of his past 30 batters dating back to April 4.
Brooks Raley (left elbow inflammation) continues to play catch as he builds back up.
Mendoza said Raley, on the shelf since April 21, could be activated once eligible next week.
Top infield/outfield prospect Jett Williams was placed on the seven-day IL with right wrist soreness. Williams has played 11 games with Double-A Binghamton.