QUEENS, NY — Mark Vientos' playing time continues to dwindle, as he was left out of the New York Mets' starting lineup for a fourth consecutive game on Thursday night against the Atlanta Braves.

Manager Carlos Mendoza opted to go heavy on left-handers against Braves starter Bryce Elder, opting to play Brett Baty at third base and put the switch-hitting Ronny Mauricio at the DH spot.

Vientos has not only lost out on playing time to both infielders, but veteran Starling Marte's hot bat has gotten some run at DH, as well.

"There's a healthy competition," Mendoza said when asked what conversations with Vientos have been like. "We got three guys for one spot, three third basemen. Or you can make a case where you have four really good players for two spots if you count the DH."

Vientos, who

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