Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real Justyn-henry Malloy Jersey -time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. As the Mets await Mark Vientos return from a hamstring strain, they decided not to wait to get Luisangel Acua more playing time. While Vientos was eligible to return from a right hamstring strain, manager Carlos Mendoza said before Mondays 3-2 lo s to the Braves that the third baseman would likely play at least two more games with Triple-A Syracuse, on Tuesday and Wednesday, before a potential call-up later in the week. Vientos is 2-for-17 with a double in four minor league rehab games. Acua had been expected to be among the young players considered to be optioned back to Syracuse whenever Vientos got back. The Mets optioned Luisangel Acuna to Triple-A. AP Instead, he was sent down following Sundays game in Philadelphia. He was replaced on the roster Monday by veteran Travis Jankowski. Mendoza explained the organization wants Acua to get more playing time, since its largely dried up in Queens. Mark Vientos will get more at-bats before the Mets recall him to the majors. Robert Sabo for NY Post Explore More Although Acua started at second base in Sundays lo s to the Phillies, but it was the first in a week for the 23-year-old. Mendoza noted Jankowski could serve as a pinch-runner if nece sary. And the Mets still have Ronny Mauricio and Brett Baty as infield options. CHECK OUT THE AND I feel like, at this point, we need to get him going and get him some everyday at-bats, Mendoza said of Acua, whose playing time decreased as the season progre sed. He had a really good April, when he was getting consistent playing time, Mendoza said. He helped us win a lot of baseball games and then it was a combination of some other guys producing. He became a role guy. Left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady was signed to a major league contract and activated. Lovelady, who opted out from his minor league deal with the Twins, gives the Mets a second lefty in the bullpen, joining Jos Castillo. Mendoza was asked about the Braves dominance of the Mets: Atlanta is now 27-10 against the Mets dating to 2022. That included a three-game sweep by the Braves last week at Truist Park. Theyre good, but we also clinched a playoff spot at their place last year, Mendoza said. They are good and we are good. They have dealt with a lot of injuries, but they have got a lot of star power there, too. We have got four games at home and have to take care of busine s. The Mets are taking steps to ensure their players are ready to deal with the high temperatures this week. Players had a later report time on Monday and shorter rounds of batting practice were planned. Mendoza was also preaching hydration. Mickey Lolich Jersey