NEW YORK – Mets outfielder/first baseman Jared Young has been a productive hitter of late. In 26 games since returning from the injured list, Young has a .756 OPS with six home runs.
In Friday’s 2-1 loss to the Phillies, Young showed how valuable he can be. He drove in the only run for New York when he singled off right-hander Zack Wheeler in the fourth to drive in Bo Bichette and made several standout defensive plays, including an unassisted double play in the third inning.
“He has been phenomenal,” Mets interim manager Andy Green said. “I don’t think the public knew what a blow that was to our club when he went down [with a torn meniscus], especially with the timing and health of everyone else.”
Green indicated that Young will get most of the playing time at first base. Including Young, the Mets have used six first basemen this season, with Mark Vientos getting most of the reps at the position.
“I would be a fool to change that one,” said Green when asked about Young’s status at first base. “He will be out there consistently. There are opportunities for other players, especially against certain types of left-handed pitching, to get over there … and play a little bit. But he is locking down a lion's share of at-bats over there.”
Green has been familiar with Young’s work dating back to their days with the Cubs. Green was a coach, while Young came off the bench in 2022 and ‘23.
“I always believed his bat is real,” Green said. “It’s fun for the rest of the world to get the opportunity to see that. He is a tremendous teammate, cares about winning, smiles through adversity and he continues to work.
“[Young] is the kind of guy you just love having on a baseball team. He can hit and do damage. There is a lot to like. He is defending the position well. It has been fun [seeing him] make those highlight plays.”