​Mets first baseman Mark Vientos is expected to miss six to eight weeks due to a fracture in his right hand, though he will not require surgery, according to SNY MLB Insider Chelsea Janes. Vientos suffered the injury when he was hit by a pitch on his throwing hand in the second inning of Thursday night’s 7-3 win over the Kansas City Royals at Citi Field. Speaking to reporters before Friday night’s series opener against the Boston Red Sox, Vientos voiced his disappointment about being sidelined for an extended period. “I definitely want to be with the team, definitely want to play with the guys and I love playing baseball at the same time,” the first baseman said. “It sucks, for sure.”
With Vientos headed to the injured list, the Mets recalled infielder Zack Short. The 31-year-old has appeared in three games for New York this season, all at shortstop. On the active roster, Mets managers and coaches will weigh several options to fill the vacancy at first base, including Jared Young, Eric Wagaman, Brett Baty, and Jorge Polanco. Each potential replacement brings a different set of skills, and the organization will evaluate matchup potential, versatility, and long-term impact as it navigates this injury.
Vientos had been one of the Mets’ everyday options at first base, contributing at the plate and in the field with a growing role this season. In 73 games for the Mets this year, he has slammed 11 home runs and driven in 35 RBIs, providing some offensive pop in the middle of the lineup. However, his overall numbers have been hampered by a challenging 61-to-12 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a disappointing .644 OPS, highlighting the consistency issues that have also drawn attention from scouts and analysts.
The Mets will lean on depth to cover the absence, with internal candidates likely to see extended opportunities to prove they can handle first-base duties or improve their production at the plate. Brett Baty, who has shown promise in recent stints at the major league level, could be a key option if he is called upon to play first or to spell other infielders. Jared Young, who possesses versatility at first and corner infield spots, may receive opportunities to contribute both offensively and defensively. Eric Wagaman’s power and defensive potential could also factor into the decision-making process as the Mets look to maintain offense while Vientos is away.
While Vientos is sidelined, the club will monitor the right-handed hitter’s recovery timeline and plan for a phased return. The organization will balance the immediate need for a productive first baseman with the long-term objective of returning Vientos to full strength and keeping him engaged with the team during his rehab. Vientos’ absence creates an opportunity for the Mets’ depth players to step up and demonstrate they can contribute at first base and in the lineup as a whole.
Beyond the immediate lineup implications, Vientos’ injury has implications for the Mets’ offensive balance and run production. If the replacement options can deliver steady production at first base, New York can maintain its offensive rhythm while protecting Vientos’ eventual return. The club will also be mindful of player workload to prevent any additional injuries as they navigate a demanding part of the schedule.
In summary, Mark Vientos’ fracture in his right hand will sideline him for six to eight weeks without requiring surgery, as confirmed by Chelsea Janes of SNY. Zack Short has been called up to help fill the gap, and the Mets will evaluate internal options such as Jared Young, Eric Wagaman, Brett Baty, and Jorge Polanco to determine who will anchor first base in Vientos’ absence. The hope is that the replacement contributors can deliver solid at-bats and defense while Vientos recuperates and prepares for a return to the lineup.