Brett Baty exits with right-side soreness as Mets' playoff push hits snag vs Marlins

MIAMI — Brett Baty left Friday's Mets-Marlins game with right-side soreness, a development that could complicate New York's playoff push in Game 160.

In his first-inning at-bat against Sandy Alcántara, Baty grimaced after swinging, began stretching his side and briefly remained in the game to ground out. He then took the field for the bottom of the first and threw across the diamond for the frame's final out. After the throw, Baty was seen grimacing again and disappeared into the tunnel, soon replaced at third by Ronny Mauricio.

The Mets were clinging to a playoff spot for Game 160, and the potential loss of Baty would be significant for a team that has relied on his versatility at third and second base. The club has also had limited opportunities to play Mark Vientos at third because of defensive concerns. Baty has enjoyed a breakout season, emerging as the starting third baseman after producing solid defensive work and contributing at the plate with 18 home runs in 130 games and a .748 OPS.

The absence of Baty could force further adjustments in a Mets infield that has leaned on Mauricio in limited action and has faced the challenge of balancing defensive needs with the run-producing potential of Vientos. There was no immediate update on the severity of the soreness, and the team did not specify any imaging or further tests as of shortly after the incident. If Baty misses time, New York would need to rely on its depth to navigate the final stretch of the season and maintain its position in the wild-card race.