Mark Vientos has been left out of the New York Mets' starting lineup for four consecutive games due to competition for playing time. Manager Carlos Mendoza has favored left-handers against opposing pitchers and utilized infielders Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio. Vientos, who experienced a breakout 27-home-run season last year, is struggling this year with a .230 batting average and only seven home runs. He had been performing better after returning from Triple-A but has not played since August 9. Vientos has expressed frustration over his lack of opportunities.
Vientos has not only lost out on playing time to both infielders, but veteran Starling Marte's hot bat has gotten some run at DH, as well.
Vientos, who is experiencing as prominent a sophomore slump as ever following a breakout 27-home-run season last year, is batting just .230.
In his last 21 games, he is batting .286 with a .720 OPS, one home run, and 11 RBI, a span that featured an 11-game hitting streak.
Vientos has shown some frustration about his lack of playing time, telling MLB.com last month that there's really no point in approaching team brass about it.
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