New York Mets' Star Third Baseman Dealing With Hamstring Injury

The New York Mets' star third baseman is dealing with hamstring tightness and was forced to exit Tuesday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Apr 12, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (22) reacts after / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets have lost their star third baseman to a hamstring injury.

Brett Baty was forced to exit Tuesday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to left hamstring tightness.

Baty has been have a strong season thus far, slashing .305/.359/.373 with a .732 OPS, one home run and nine RBIs. The 24-year-old has moved up to the No. 5 spot in the Mets' lineup and has provided a huge impact this year.

Baty's defense at third base has also improved tremendously as he has made a number of highlight reel plays up to this point.

It was not long ago that Baty was the No. 2 ranked prospect in the Mets' farm system behind catcher Francisco Alvarez. He was also a Top 40 prospect in all of baseball.

However, he struggled in his first full season of action as did the rest of the Mets' offense. The good news is that Baty looks like the player who the Mets expected him to be, a young budding star at the hot corner.

Should Baty have to miss time with his hamstring issue, veteran utlity man Joey Wendle will likely handle duties at third base. The Mets can also call up Mark Vientos, but he profiles more as a DH/first baseman as opposed to a third baseman where he has often struggled.

The hope is that Baty's hamstring won't keep him sidelined for too long, and that he can return after receiving rest and treatment.

With how hot Baty has started out for the Mets, they can't afford to lose him for an extended period of time. And this might not be the case if it is just tightness and not a strain.