NEW YORK — The Mets haven’t gotten much production out of third base since Mark Vientos went down with a right hamstring strain on June 2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fortunately, the injury was considered low-grade, and Vientos has been able to ramp up quicker than expected.

The plan is for him to begin a rehab assignment next week —likely on Tuesday or Wednesday—with Triple-A Syracuse. The weather hasn’t been kind, forcing Vientos into indoor batting cages for now. But a couple more days of batting practice and baseball activity should put him in position to play games soon.

Mets third baseman Mark Vientos will start his injury rehab in AAA on Tuesday, according to Carlos Mendoza. “He's playing Tuesday for Syracuse,” Mendoza said of Vientos, referencing the AAA Syracuse Mets.

Something is mesmerizing about the moment the first domino tips, how it sets off a chain reaction that clicks and clacks through twists, turns, and unexpected l

Prior to Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza gave updates on Mark Vientos and Sean Manaea.

Mark Vientos’ return is looming. That will mean more competition for Brett Baty to remain a regular in the lineup. And an increased likelihood Ronny Mauricio is sent back down to the minors. Each homered and was a rare bright spot for the Mets in an otherwise dreary 8-4 loss to the Rays on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.

Mauricio last played in the Major Leagues in September 2023, hitting .248 with a .643 OPS over 26 games. There were some growing pains, but also flashes of the player projected to be a power-hitting switch hitter. The 6-foot-4 Dominican was then just 22, and hit four doubles and two home runs, while also stealing seven bases.

Rehab assignments are mostly about making sure the player is healthy before appearing ... Remember when the Mets had too many starters? Well, with Kodai Senga going on the injured list after ...

Pete Alonso has taken his game offensively to “another level.” That assessment was provided Friday by Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who was asked about the possibility he would engage in contract extension talks with Alonso’s camp during the season.

The Mets have the best record in the National League with several key members set to return. Soon, the front office must make some tough decisions.