After hitting three home runs in a single game for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, the Mets decided Mark Vientos was ready to return from his rehab ******* ignment for their series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday.
Not only that, but interim manager Andy Green decided to ride the hot hand and slotted the slugger right into the lineup, batting cleanup as the designated hitter in his first game back. Good thing he did, too, because Vientos stayed hot and rewarded his manager with a solo home run that was the difference in New York's 3-2 win.
"It felt great," Vientos said about not only the home run, but being back with the team after a long time away. "Felt great to come back and contribute in some way and a home run is always cool so it felt great for sure."
The home run, a 418-foot blast to center field, was Vientos' 12th of the season and even though he's had a disappointing season this year, Vientos reminded everybody of the raw power he possesses.
In fact, despite playing in just 74 games, Vientos is seventh on the team in home runs and just two away from being tied for third. If he keeps up his pace over the last few days, he'll be near the leaderboard in no time.

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