Carlos Mendoza made a compromise. The Mets manager wanted to give Francisco Lindor a rare day off on Sunday as the shortstop continues to deal with a fractured pinky toe. But Lindor wasn’t having it.

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.

Mets' third baseman Mark Vientos has progressed quickly in his recovery from a right hamstring strain suffered in Los Angeles a week ago.