Baty went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Getting the start in right field and batting fourth, Baty drove a Miles Mikolas first-pitch fastball the other way for his first homer of the spring. The 26-year-old is likely ticketed for a utility job to begin the season, but if the Mets decide that Carson Benge needs more minor-league seasoning, it could open the door for Baty to start, or at least be on the strong side of a platoon, in right.

Baty (hamstring) will start at first base and bat fourth in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Baty tweaked his hamstring during an offseason workout shortly before the start of spring training, but he's now been cleared to begin playing in exhibition games. Now that he's healthy, the 26-year-old is expected to compete with top prospect Carson Benge for the starting job in right field this spring. If Baty loses the battle, he will likely still make the Opening Day roster as a utility man.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday that Baty will be eased into spring training action after experiencing hamstring discomfort during offseason workout two weeks ago, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

It doesn't sound like an overly serious issue for Baty, but the Mets are going to slow-play it with the utility man early on in camp. Baty figures to have a chance to beat out Carson Benge for the top spot in right field this spring, but Benge appears to be the Mets' initial Plan A at the position. Baty is projected to see plenty of playing time all around the diamond in 2026.

Baty has been working out in left field this offseason, and he'll continue getting reps at the position this spring, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Top prospect Carson Benge appears to be the Mets' Plan A in left, but the 23-year-old may not be quite ready to make the leap to the majors after playing only 24 games at Triple-A last year with a poor .583 OPS. That would leave Baty and Tyrone Taylor as the best remaining options to fill LF, potentially in a platoon that would favor Baty as the left-handed hitter. Baty does have a bit of experience in left field, playing 29 games there for Double-A Binghamton in 2021-22, and the offseason acquisitions of Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco leave no room in the infield for the natural third baseman. Baty is also a better hitter than Taylor, whose value mainly comes from his glove -- from Aug. 1 to the end of the regular season in 2025, Baty slashed .308/.370/.496 with seven homers in 146 plate appearances.

The Mets plan to use Baty in a utility role following the signing of Bo Bichette, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bichette will take over at third base, which had been projected as Baty's primary position. Baty will still see some action at the hot corner, but he'll also be used some at second base and possibly first base and left field. It's a hit to Baty's playing time outlook, though the Mets could also use him as part of a trade package to get an outfielder or pitcher. Baty slashed .254/.313/.435 with 18 home runs over 130 games for the Mets in 2025.

The Mets placed Baty on the 10-day injured list Saturday due to a right oblique strain.

EDGE Analysis

Baty departed Friday's game with pain in his side, and further testing revealed he's dealing with a strained right oblique. The Mets are still in the mix for the NL's final Wild Card spot, but they'll have to chase a postseason berth without Baty. The third baseman will be eligible for reinstatement Oct. 7, though it's unclear if he'll require more than the minimum stay. Jared Young was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.

Baty (side) is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against Miami.

EDGE Analysis

Baty exited Friday's contest with a side injury, and he'll get the afternoon off Saturday to recover. Ronny Mauricio will draw the start at third base and bat eighth.

Baty was removed in the second inning of Friday's game against the Marlins due to a side injury, Andrew Tredinnick of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Baty came up with the injury during his plate appearance in the top of the first inning and appeared to aggravate it on a throw to third base in the bottom of the frame. Ronny Mauricio has entered the game at third base, and the Mets should have an injury update on Baty during or shortly after Friday's game.

Baty went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and a second run scored in Thursday's 8-5 win over the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Baty's fourth-inning blast was ultimately the difference, as it gave the Mets a 6-0 lead before the Cubs attempted to push back. The third baseman has had an inconsistent September, collecting multiple hits in just three of his 19 games this month. He's batting a decent .276 (16-for-58) in that span, and he's now at a .255/.314/.436 slash line with 18 homers, 50 RBI, 53 runs scored and eight stolen bases across 129 contests this season.

Baty is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rangers, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's the third baseman's fifth absence in New York's past six games, with all of those absences coming versus left-handed starting pitchers. Baty has been filling the strong side of a platoon at third base and has a .762 OPS through 10 games in September, which should be enough for him to retain that role despite the recent downturn in playing time.