Mets' Mark Vientos starting to answer Carlos Mendoza's ‘need him now' call
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WASHINGTON — Mark Vientos' emergence for this final stretch would be more than a luxury for the Mets.
'He was an important player for us last year and he's not having the season he anticipated or we anticipated,' manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday before the Mets' 8-1 victory over the Nationals. 'But we need him now.'
Vientos answered that call by blasting a home run in a second straight game. Vientos hit a two-run homer against Jake Irvin in the third inning that gave the Mets a 5-0 lead.
Vientos, who started as the DH, provided a jolt to the team on Sunday with his three-run homer in Williamsport, Pa., that led a victory over the Mariners.
His playing time had decreased lately, along with his production. Vientos took a .573 OPS for August into the day.
'I am showing up every day like I am starting and going about my business,' Vientos said. 'I am just focusing on winning. I just want to win and whenever I get the opportunity help the team in whatever way.'
But the way Vientos has looked in recent days suggests he won't be sitting much in the near future.
'He's going to continue to get his opportunities and he's a big part of this team,' Mendoza said.
Mark Vientos belts a two-run homer in the third inning of the Mets' 8-1 blowout win over the Nationals on Aug. 19, 2025.
Getty Images
Tuesday marked the first game in MLB history that included two managers of Venezuelan descent — Mendoza and the Nationals' Miguel Cairo.
The ball used for the game's first pitch was to be removed and sent to the Hall of Fame.
Cairo became the Nationals' manager after Dave Martinez was fired in July, along with longtime general manager Mike Rizzo.
Mark Vientos celebrates with teammates after belting a two-run homer in the third inning of the Mets' blowout win over the Nationals.
Getty Images
Cairo was the Yankees' minor league infield coordinator during Mendoza's stint with the organization as a major league coach.
'It's just an honor for both of us — a privilege,' Mendoza said. 'I am humbled by it. This is a big deal back home. I am happy to represent our country.'
Mendoza had previously managed a spring training game against a fellow Venezuelan — Astros bench coach Omar Lopez.
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Hitting coach Eric Chavez coached third base, with Mike Sarbaugh back at the team hotel due to illness.
Before the Mets can look to next week's series against the first place Phillies at Citi Field — the NL East foes have seven games remaining against each other — there is the matter of navigating this stretch, facing the underwhelming Nationals and Braves.
'We have got to win some games,' Francisco Lindor said.
The Mets swept the Nationals in June at Citi Field to move a season-high 21 games above .500.
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