Brett Baty’s bat flashed Tuesday night, but so did another defensive concern.
The Mets’ third baseman began the game with a jolt, hammering a first-inning home run that followed a Francisco Alvarez two-run blast.
Baty ended the game on the bench, however, replaced by veteran Luis Guillorme, after he made a poor, split-second decision in the seventh inning of an 11-10 victory over the White Sox at Citi Field.
“Luis is a really good defender, and we’re trying to win a baseball game,” manager Buck Showalter said of the late-game switch. “Brett’s going to be a good defender, too.”
Baty’s encouraging day turned in the seventh inning.
The White Sox put runners on first and second with one out in a game the Mets were leading, 11-4.
Andrew Vaughn hit a chopper to Baty, who threw too late to second base — instead of going to first.
Tim Anderson slid in safely, and the Mets could not record an out on the play.
The White Sox’s next two batters drove in two runs apiece as they clawed back in the game.
“I should have given Anderson the respect he deserves about his speed,” Baty said after he went 1-for-5. “And I should have known the lead that we had, just tried to get one out.
“I thought I had enough time to get it, but [Anderson’s] speed is incredible.”
Compounding the frustration was that the play came just days after the pop-up Baty chased around the infield against the Dodgers on Saturday.
That ball ended up dropping in what has become a viral moment.
The Mets traded Eduardo Escobar and cleared third base for Baty, who has encountered a learning curve as a rookie.
“We’ll probably discuss [the misplay with Showalter on Wednesday],” said Baty, who came through the Mets’ system more known for his bat than glove.
Baty did not experience a ton of failure in the minors, mastering each level until he forced his way to the big leagues.
His biggest adjustment came after the 2021 season, when he had issues lifting and driving the ball, his hard hits often ending up on the ground.
He shifted his stance ahead of last season, which became his best and most powerful.
He hit 19 home runs in 95 games with Double-A Binghamton and Syracuse.
The ground-ball problem has reappeared this season.
Among MLB hitters with at least 100 plate appearances, Baty’s 24.3 percent fly-ball rate was the 11th lowest in baseball entering Tuesday.
“We had a conversation about that the other day,” Baty said of speaking with hitting coach Jeremy Barnes.
According to Baty, they are not tweaking his swing but, “It’s more about approach.”
In the first, Baty got under a Lucas Giolito fastball and crushed it to center, just outside the Home Run Apple, for his sixth homer in 69 games.
“Just tried to put a good swing on it. Felt good,” the 23-year-old said.
“Hit the ball hard is always my goal.”
