SAN DIEGO — Brett Baty was a contender to rejoin the Mets next weekend as a September call-up, but it’s now clear that won’t happen.
The third baseman has a fractured left index finger, the club announced Sunday, after getting struck by a pitch on a checked swing Thursday with Triple-A Syracuse.
Typical return to play time is 4-6 weeks.
“It’s a big blow,” manager Carlos Mendoza said after the Mets lost 3-2 to the Padres at Petco Park. “Especially where we are in the season, his name is one of the names probably in consideration for September, but now we just have to get him back healthy. It’s a big blow for him and for us.”
Baty, who began the season as the Mets starting third baseman, owned an .886 OPS in 58 games this season for Syracuse.
Mark Vientos has excelled over the last three months in the starting third base job for the Mets, pushing Baty to the back burner.
But with uncertainty about the DH position and first base for next year (Vientos could figure into either spot), the 24-year-old Baty hadn’t been forgotten. Baty was also receiving action at second base for Syracuse.
“He has been playing well defensively and I think his production has been good,” Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said earlier this month.
It’s the second time that Baty has dealt with an injury that removed him from the mix late in the season.
Two years ago, Baty was promoted for his major league debut in August and given an opportunity for playing time.
But Baty tore a thumb ligament and needed arthroscopic surgery that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Phil Maton recorded the final out in the eighth and is unscored upon in 14 of his 17 appearances since arriving from the Rays.
Francisco Lindor’s five grand slams with the Mets (he hit his fifth on Saturday) is tied for second-most in team history with John Milner, Howard Johnson, Robin Ventura, Yoenis Cespedes, Carlos Beltran and Kevin McReynolds. Mike Piazza holds the team record with six.
