Mets Mark Vientos makes grand slam statement as trade deadline fate l

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See Also  SAN DIEGO  With his name often popping up in trade rumors, Mark Vientos stretch run might have arrived.  To begin trade-deadline week, Vientos played as if he does not want to be traded.  With the Mets front office that includes Vientos, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio before Thursdays deadline, Vientos responded with the type of night that reminded of his breakout last year.  After getting robbed of one home run by leaping right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr., Vientos blasted his next shot to right a few feet deeper, good for a grand slam in the to the Padres at Petco Park on Monday.  It was really good to see Mark Vientos having the type of game he had today, manager Carlos Mendoza said. For him to get that big one right there, that was very encouraging.  Vientos  who crushed 27 home runs in 111 games in a star-turn of a 2024 season before going off during a huge postseason  had entered play in a 23-game homerle s drought.  New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) hits a grand slam during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.  IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect  CHECK OUT THE AND  That changed not in the fourth inning  when Tatis timed his jump perfectly and brought back what would have been a two-run homer  but in the fifth, when the Padres elected to walk Jeff McNeil to load the bases.  And just as the Dodgers had intentionally walked Francisco Lindor to load the bases for Vientos in Game 2 of the NLCS last year, Vientos made them pay.  Explore More  Im happy I get put into those situations, said Vientos, whose opposite-field slam off Dylan Cease was just his seventh homer in 74 games this year.  The  Will Clark Jersey 25-year-old has never lacked confidence, but his manager referred to Vientos as not happy with his own ups and downs of the season thus far.  But also understanding that hes got an opportunity, Mendoza said before the game. When hes in the lineup, he can help us win baseball games. But he continues to work, he continues to grind, continues to make adjustments.  Hes a really good player, and were going to need him.  Mark Vientos (27) looks skyward after hitting a grand slam during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.  Denis Poroy-Imagn Images  Because of Vientos power, prospect pedigree and breakout season last year, there would be interest on the trade market if the club dangles Vientos. Because he cannot be optioned to Triple-A Syracuse and because he is not a strong defender  and a third baseman, where both Baty and Mauricio have looked stronger  there is a question of where he fits on the team.  But if his bat is indeed coming around, he could find himself both in the lineup frequently, as DH or third baseman, and could find himself remaining with the Mets.  Im just doubling down on my approach and what I want at the plate and staying convicted to it, Vientos said.  The Mets are still not sure about the next step for Paul Blackburn, who threw 87 pitches Sunday while allowing one run in 6  innings with Triple-A Syracuse.  Paul Blackburn #58 throws a pitch during the third inning against the Braves in June.  Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post  The righty, who has been sidelined since June 28 with a right shoulder impingement, was traveling Monday and set to return to Citi Field to meet with trainers on Tuesday.  Well talk to him, well see where hes at, how hes feeling, Mendoza said of Blackburn, who projects as rotation depth in a rotation that is filled at the moment. And then we got to make a decision.  Delivering insights on all things Amazins  Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+  Thank you  By clicking above you agree to the and .  Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter!  Tylor Megill threw a bullpen se sion Sunday and came out fine, Mendoza said.  Megill, out with a right elbow sprain, will need one more se sion before before he starts facing batters.  Jose Iglesias talked with and hugged many Mets, including Edwin Diaz, Francisco Alvarez, Sean Manaea and Brandon Nimmo, on the field before the game against his former team.  Orlando Cepeda Jersey