SAN FRANCISCO — Jared Young didn’t know for sure he would be in the Mets starting lineup Sunday, but took the approach that it was best to think in those terms.
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He knew that Brett Baty’s left thumb was barking following a dive into second base a day earlier. Baty was scheduled to start the series finale against the Giants, but Young was Plan B.
“It was kind of like, ‘Let’s come in today and prep like I’m going to play,’” Young said. “It’s always easier to wind down than it is to ramp up.”
It was Plan B the Mets exercised, going to Young for the start in left field as Baty took a day to rest his thumb.
Young’s 3-for-3 performance offensively and strong defense were a significant component in the team’s 5-2 victory at Oracle Park that gave the Mets a winning series and road trip.
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Young’s running catch on Patrick Bailey’s line drive in the third stood out, along with his play off the carom on Jerar Encarnacion’s shot that hit the left field fence in the fifth. Young threw out Encarnacion attempting to stretch a single into a double.
The three-hit performance was the first of Young’s career, as was the outfield assist. Most of Young’s major league playing time has come as a first baseman.
Jared Young of the New York Mets catches a fly ball hit by Rafael Devers #16 of the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the third inning at Oracle Park on April 04, 2026 in San Francisco, California. Getty Images
“Not only the at-bats for Jared, but his ability to play the outfield the way he’s doing it, he just adds more to it,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “It’s not only a pinch hitter or a guy that can play first, now you feel good with him playing the outfield as well.”
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Mendoza’s original lineup before Baty was scratched had Carson Benge in left field and Baty in right. The manager said the decision to move Benge from right was based on Benge’s overall familiarity playing the various outfield positions compared to Baty, who is a converted infielder.
Baty is expected to be available for starting duty Tuesday.
Mendoza indicated nothing had changed with Juan Soto, who will be reevaluated before the Mets begin their next homestand Tuesday. The All-Star outfielder is dealing with what he’s termed a “minor” right calf strain and the Mets face a decision on placing him on the injured list.
The Mets had a third straight game with at least 12 hits. The franchise record is five straight such games, established in 1976 and tied in 1990.
Luis Robert Jr. stole two bases, giving him multiple steals in a game for the first time since May 4 of last season with the White Sox.
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