Sometimes a season throws you a curveball when you’re expecting a fastball, and the New York Mets just took one off the shin.
Mark Vientos, the young third baseman who was starting to solidify his place in the lineup, landed on the 10-day injured list Monday with a right hamstring strain.
The exact severity is still unknown, but it was bad enough to sideline him and shuffle the Mets’ roster once again.
This isn’t just a paper move—it’s a disruption of momentum at a moment when Vientos was providing crucial stability.
Ronny Mauricio returns to the spotlight
As the Mets wait to learn the full extent of Vientos’ injury, they’ve turned to a familiar name brimming with potential—Ronny Mauricio.
The 24-year-old infielder has been scorching hot in Triple-A, seemingly begging for another crack at the big leagues.
Mauricio’s versatility is a gift for manager Carlos Mendoza. He can capably handle second, third, or shortstop, and even offer at-bats as a designated hitter.
He’s not just a bandage over the Vientos hole—Mauricio is the kind of player who can spark something larger.
If Vientos is out for weeks, Mauricio has the tools to step up and grab the moment by the collar. It’s time to see if the flashes he’s shown in the minors translate into something sustainable on the grand stage.
Max Kranick optioned despite strong work
The Mets have also optioned right-hander Max Kranick to Triple-A Syracuse. While that may raise eyebrows, it’s not a demotion rooted in performance.
Kranick has been a useful multi-inning reliever, compiling a 3.51 ERA and giving the Mets 33.1 innings of dependable work.
His most recent appearance included a solo shot served to Shohei Ohtani—hardly a unique distinction—on Monday but he also fanned two batters in that outing.
This move is more about rest and roster freshness. Kranick has logged a significant early workload, and with the calendar flipping to June, the Mets are trying to manage wear and tear.
Think of it less as a step backward and more like a well-earned pit stop. With his effectiveness, Kranick could easily be back in Flushing within the week.
Brandon Waddell gets his shot again
Replacing Kranick is left-hander Brandon Waddell, who’s been solid in his short stints with the Mets this season. In two bulk-relief appearances, Waddell has posted a 3.86 ERA across 9.1 innings and struck out seven.
He’s not an overpowering arm, but Waddell brings calm and control when chaos is looming. His promotion helps balance a bullpen in flux, especially with the starting rotation continuing to grind through injuries and inconsistencies.
Waddell’s return adds a much-needed southpaw option, which should help diversify Mendoza’s late-game matchups moving forward.
Mets enter new stretch without Vientos
Vientos’ absence leaves a legitimate gap in the Mets’ lineup. It’s unclear whether this injury will sideline him for the minimum or something longer, but it’s a gut punch either way.
Fortunately for the Mets, Mauricio’s promotion offers excitement, upside, and options. He could be the solution—or at least the spark that buys them time.
Waddell, meanwhile, steps into a bullpen that will need to be more than just functional to survive the dog days of summer.
In baseball, nothing stays still for long. One man limps off the field, and another laces up his cleats. The Mets are hoping the next man up can make the most of it.