Brett Baty’s Mets season likely over after oblique injury

MIAMI — Brett Baty's season likely is over after he was placed on the Mets' injured list with a right oblique strain, a diagnosis that followed an attempt to resume baseball activities Saturday that he could not complete. He felt the initial discomfort a night earlier on a swing and was removed from the game. He has not yet had an MRI to confirm the injury's extent. "It hurts a lot," Baty said. "But I am going to root on my teammates, and we’re going to try to go to the postseason."

Baty, 25, finished the season with a .254/.313/.435 line, 18 homers and 50 RBIs in 130 games. He was the Mets' best defensive option at third base and showed versatility at second; Mendoza said Baty had established himself in the everyday lineup.

To fill the vacancy, the Mets recalled Jared Young from Triple-A Syracuse to provide a left-handed bat off the bench, and Ronny Mauricio started at third base against the Marlins Friday. Mauricio had not started since Aug. 24, but Mendoza said he’s been working hard and would be ready to go if called upon. "You never know what can happen fast," Mendoza said, adding that Mauricio will be ready when needed.

Mauricio's appearance at third came as Baty's injury reshapes a corner infield picture for a team pressing toward a postseason push. Mendoza stressed that Mauricio's development and readiness could influence how the Mets arrange their infield going forward.

With the season's end in sight, Sunday’s finale was set to feature Sean Manaea on the mound, with left-hander David Peterson available on normal rest to pitch if Manaea stumbles. Manaea has struggled at times this month, posting a 7.64 ERA in five September appearances. The Mets also showed activity on the roster front: Nolan McLean was unavailable Saturday, and Brandon Sproat, who threw 71 pitches Friday, was likely unavailable. Jose Siri and Richard Lovelady, designated for assignment in recent days, were outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse.