Why Hasn't New York Mets Slugger Vogelbach Played in a Week?

Find out why New York Mets DH Daniel Vogelbach hasn't played in a week.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

He has been riding the pine.

New York Mets designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach has not appeared in a game since the team's June 7 loss to the Atlanta Braves, and there's a reason for it.

As The New York Post's Mike Puma reported, the Mets opted to give Vogelbach a mental break, as he attempts to break out of a prolonged slump.

Puma clarified that this is not a mental health break, but a break where Vogelbach doesn't play and works on his swing.

SNY's Andy Martino added that due to this break, Vogelbach's roster spot is safe at the moment.

The Mets acquired Vogelbach from the Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of last season's trade deadline in exchange for young promising reliever Colin Holderman. 

The left-handed bat came into the 2023 season as the Mets' primary DH against right-handed pitching, but has sported a .203 average and has only hit two home runs this year. He does, however, have an on-base percentage of .343, but it is not enough to make up for his other poor numbers. 

Prior to this mental break, Vogelbach was just 3 for his last 33 (.091) with one RBI, 12 strikeouts and a slugging percentage of .121.

With the Mets down by one run to the New York Yankees on Tuesday night, manager Buck Showalter opted to stick with Luis Guillorme batting with two outs instead of pinch hitting Vogelbach or Mark Vientos.

It is unknown how much longer Vogelbach's mental break will last, but the Mets have lost nine of 10 and can use all the help they can get.

The Mets are facing the Yankees in the final game of the Subway Series on Wednesday night, before welcoming the St. Louis Cardinals for a three-game set over the weekend.