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BOSTON — As much as the Mets have valued Brett Baty’s lefty bat in the lineup, his glovework has been his strength since returning to the club.
Manager Carlos Mendoza has been making changes to the lineup to strengthen the defense. This includes giving more playing time to Baty at third base while shifting Mark Vientos to the designated hitter position.
Baty began the day plus-1 in outs above average, according to Statcast, placing him in MLB’s 70th percentile.
He has looked particularly good on hard-hit balls.
Mendoza praised Baty’s skills, highlighting his internal clock, awareness, footwork, and arm strength. He expressed confidence in Baty’s abilities, especially noting his versatility in throwing from different angles.
Baty had another highlight-reel play on this night, barehanding Trevor Story’s chopper in the fourth inning and turning it into an out.
Baty has provided steadiness during a stretch in which Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, among others, have endured slumps defensively.
“I think I am playing real good defense right now,” Baty said.
The Mets were homerless in five straight games entering Tuesday.
That drought occurred during a stretch in which the team had faced Paul Skenes, Carlos Rodón and Max Fried, among others.
Regarding the opponent’s pitching staff, Mendoza acknowledged the challenge they posed and emphasized the need for the team to make adjustments. He also commented on the team’s offensive performance, noting the rarity of going through five games without hitting a home run.
Mendoza indicated he planned to keep his starting rotation in line beyond this series, meaning Griffin Canning, David Peterson and Kodai Senga are scheduled to face the Dodgers at Citi Field this weekend.
Paul Blackburn will pitch Wednesday in his final scheduled rehab appearance — he is expected to throw 80 pitches.
The right-hander, who figures into the bullpen upon his return (unless there is an injury to a starting pitcher) has been rehabbing from right knee inflammation since the end of spring training.
Frankie Montas is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session (two innings) on Tuesday.
Sean Manaea is expected to throw off a mound. Montas is rehabbing from a strained lat and Manaea an oblique strain.
Both began the season on the injured list.