As shared by SNY, New York Mets interim manager Andy Green recently said that infielder/designated hitter Mark Vientos would essentially have to earn playing time amid his return to the MLB roster. 

Vientos hadn't played for the big-league Mets since July 9 due to a fractured right hand, but he launched what proved to be a pivotal solo home run in the top of the seventh inning of the club's 3-2 win at the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday evening. Following that victory, Vientos reflected on what he achieved during his first game back. 

Mark Vientos: "A home run is always cool"

"It felt great," Vientos said, per Robert Sanchez of SNY. "Felt great to come back and contribute in some way, and a home run is always cool, so it felt great for sure."

Vientos, 26, performed like a future superstar when he slashed .327/.362/.636 with a .998 OPS, five home runs and 14 RBI over 13 postseason games in the fall of 2024. However, he has since regressed, and there is a chance that he won't be on the Mets' 2027 Opening Day roster. Over his first 74 games of the ongoing campaign, Vientos slashed .212/.256/.398 with a .654 OPS, 12 home runs and 36 RBI. 

Why September could be massive for Mark Vientos

The 62-76 Mets are in full evaluation mode regarding the final month of what's become a lost season for the club. New York recently moved on from outfielder Luis Robert Jr., and the perception exists that Vientos is now in the shop window. 

That said, it's still unclear if infielder Bo Bichette will stay with the Mets or opt out of his contract this coming fall. Even if Bichette decides to run it back with the Mets for another year, Vientos theoretically could earn a spot on the 2027 roster by producing impressive offensive performances over the next several weeks. 

Per RotoWire, Vientos went 9-for-23 with five home runs in seven rehab appearances, including a three-homer game at Triple-A Syracuse on Aug. 30. 

"Just trusting my ability, just trusting myself and seeing pitches, trusting that I’ll recognize -- if it’s a spin or it’s a fastball -- and allowing myself to adjust to pitches and just putting bat to ball," Vientos said about his latest power surge.