Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio homer in Mets loss as decisions loom with Mark Vientos nearing return

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.Mark Vientos’ return is looming.That will mean more competition for Brett Baty to remain a regular in the lineup.

And an increased likelihood Ronny Mauricio is sent back down to the minors.Each homered and was a rare bright spot for the Mets in an otherwise dreary 8-4 loss to the Rays on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.Baty crushed a solo homer in the third inning to right field.Its 115.6 mph exit velocity was the highest of his career and highest of any batted ball by a Mets player this year.

He had been slumping, entering Saturday’s clash with a .132/.209/.211 slash line in his previous 12 games.“I think I’ve been hitting the ball hard these past couple of weeks pretty consistently,” Baty said.“Just kind of right at people.

… I feel good right now.I think it’s just about staying consistent.”Vientos, who will begin a rehab assignment either Tuesday or Wednesday at Triple-A Syracuse, won the starting third base gig last year over Baty, but struggled this season before hitting the injured list with a hamstring strain.

And Baty had been carving more and more into Vientos’ playing time and has largely held the role since.“To be honest, I’m not thinking about that at all,” Baty said of the crowded competition at third base.“I’m just trying to help win ball games for this club.”What helps Baty in maintaining a role is that he’s able to play third and second base.“I think it’s kind of fun, honestly.

Bouncing around, practicing at all the different positions,” Baty said.“Sometimes, I even take ground balls at shortstop or at first.

I kind of like bouncing all over.”The Mets called up Mauricio after Vientos’ injury, and that has meant more time at second base for Baty — Mauricio has played third base in seven of the nine games he’s played in.He belted a solo homer in the fifth inni...