Mets' Baty Expected to Return Tuesday After Thumb Injury

Utility player Brett Baty should be back in the lineup against the Diamondbacks after jamming his left thumb over the weekend.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:53pm

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New York Mets utility player Brett Baty is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday for the team's series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Baty jammed his left thumb while sliding head-first into second base during the Mets' game against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday. He was scratched from the lineup on Sunday but is expected to only miss a day or two.

Why it matters

Baty has been a valuable utility player for the Mets this season, filling in at multiple positions including first base, right field, and third base. His return is important as the Mets are already dealing with an injury to star outfielder Juan Soto, who missed the last two games with a minor calf strain.

The details

Baty was able to finish Saturday's game against the Giants after jamming his left thumb, but was held out of the lineup on Sunday as a precaution. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said it was just a day-to-day issue and that Baty would likely be back in the lineup on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. The injury is to Baty's left thumb, not the surgically repaired right thumb that he had an issue with in 2022.

  • Baty jammed his left thumb while sliding head-first into second base on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Baty was scratched from the Mets' lineup on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Baty is expected to return to the Mets' lineup on Tuesday, April 8, 2026 for the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The players

Brett Baty

A 26-year-old utility player for the New York Mets who has played multiple positions this season, including first base, right field, and third base.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

Juan Soto

A star outfielder for the New York Mets who missed the last two games with a minor calf strain.

Carson Benge

A rookie right fielder for the New York Mets who could shift to left field if Soto misses more time.

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What they’re saying

“He was able to finish the game, little sore afterwards. Then [Sunday] morning, basically the same. We're just trying to be smart about it, and that's why he came out of the lineup.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager, New York Mets

What’s next

Baty will be re-evaluated on Tuesday to determine if he is ready to return to the lineup against the Diamondbacks. The Mets will also continue to monitor the status of Juan Soto's calf injury.

The takeaway

Baty's return is important for the Mets as they deal with injuries to key players like Soto. His versatility to play multiple positions makes him a valuable piece of the Mets' roster, and the team is hopeful the thumb injury will only sideline him for a day or two.