Mets optimistic Brett Baty will avoid IL after hamstring injury

The New York Mets appear to have dodged a bullet when it comes to Brett Baty.

Baty exited the Mets’ 3-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday with left hamstring tightness. Manager Carlos Mendoza spoke to the media Wednesday morning and revealed the “early reports are encouraging.”

Brett Baty came into Citi Field "better" today after leaving last night's game with hamstring tightness:

"The early reports are encouraging" pic.twitter.com/hO1JXx93QE
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 17, 2024

The organization is “optimistic” Baty will avoid a trip to the IL. Baty, who was cautious after injuring the same hamstring before, should be inserted back into the Mets lineup within a few days, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

The Mets are "very optimistic" that Brett Baty (tight left hamstring) will avoid the IL. He came in today feeling better than last night. "I think it just scared me," Baty said, in part because he's hurt that hamstring before.

Baty should be back in the lineup within a few days.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 17, 2024

Joey Wendle replaced Baty at third base in the top of the seventh inning and connected on a game-tying double off Pirates pitcher Luis Ortiz in the bottom half of the frame. The Mets added two more runs in the 7th inning, eventually securing their third straight win, 3-1, and ninth victory in their past 12 games.

New York is 9-8 and sitting at third place in the National League East after a terrible 0-5 start. The Mets’ mini early-season resurgence after a terrible April 2024 start is due in large part to Baty’s play and production right out of the gate.

The 24-year old third baseman is batting .305/.359/.373/.732 with one home run, nine RBI and four walks in 64 plate appearances to start the regular season after a relatively mild spring training, giving Mets fans some optimism. His hot start at the plate has helped offset slow starts from key contributors, namely Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil.

Wendle signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Mets. He will likely continue being used as a utility infielder and pinch hitter off the bench moving forward.

Series finale starters. #LGM pic.twitter.com/vmpY6wy4mb
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 17, 2024

Zack Short gets the start at third base in the Mets’ series finale against the Pirates. Baty being day-to-day is the best news possible, and with an off day coming Thursday as the team travels to California for a six-game west coast trip, he could be back as soon as Friday or Saturday.