Designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach returned to the Mets’ lineup on Friday against the Cardinals at Citi Field after a brief hiatus. The 30-year-old is making his first appearance since the Amazin’s 7-5 loss to the Braves on June 7.
The veteran is slashing .203/.343/.297 with two homers and 14 RBI this season. His underwhelming season numbers are a result of a brutal .157/.289/.243 slash line since May 1. However, with Pete Alonso (wrist) out for a bit longer, Buck Showalter is searching for answers to the Mets’ offensive struggles and hopes Vogelbach can be part of the solution.
“We were in here yesterday,” said Showalter. “He’s working hard, I’ve seen being the scenes. [I’m] hoping that he’s the productive player that he can be. We could use it, especially with Pete out. You know, it’s been a while [since he’s played] but he’s been working diligently every day as have the people that are working with him.
“Hopefully tonight is the start of something good for Daniel, we could use it.”
Vogelbach was productive for the Amazin’s when he was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates before last season’s trade deadline. The slugger posted an .830 OPS in 55 games for the Mets in 2022 and was a vital part of the back half of their lineup.
However, this season both Vogelbach and his team have lacked production.
The Mets’ offense could certainly use a boost. The club currently sits four games out of a wild card spot (32-36) and has struggled in nearly all aspects of the game. Showalter’s squad is 19th in runs scored (300) and 26th in team ERA (4.69). The Amazin’s will need all the help they can get to turn the frustrations of this highly anticipated season — owning the highest payroll in baseball — around.
VIENTOS BACK TO THE PINE
Mark Vientos found himself back on the bench Friday, a familiar place for the prospect this season. Vientos has played in just 16 games since being called up on May 17 and has not produced like he did at Triple-A in his limited time.
The 23-year-old is slashing .178/.225/.244 with one homer and five RBI in the bigs while he posted .333/.416/.688 with 13 homers and 37 RBI in 38 games at Triple-A Syracuse. Showalter is trying to find the right balance between development and trying to win as his team currently rosters three rookie position players — Vientos, Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty.
“Yea, that’s the tough part, there’s always something we can [do],” Showalter said. “Whether it’s Baty DH’ing, how much does he DH [in the minors]? Whether it’s Alvarez DH’ing or not playing — Alvarez is catching more than he probably ever has, I know he is.
“It’s part of it up here. Your always trying to develop young players and win games. I guarantee you if I ask Mark would you rather go and work down or stay here and play every other day or something — it looks like he’s going to play Sunday and Monday — [he’d choose to stay]. It’s tough, it’s a challenge, there’s a lot of different things up here that get’s thrown at them.”