Mark Vientos hit second in the lineup Thursday for what he said was the first time since high school, when he told his coach to put him there. In reality, he hit there twice last season, going just 1-for-9 with five strikeouts. But on Thursday, the third baseman was bumped up in part due to the unavailability of Brandon Nimmo, who mi sed because of a stomach virus. Mark Vientos hits a home run during the Mets 7-6 lo s to the As on Aug. 15, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post The results for Vientos were better this time as he homered twice for the second time this season and third time in his career. He called hitting second nice, adding he likes hitting high in the lineup because it gives him a chance to get more at-bats. Asked about the move before the game, Carlos Mendoza said hed been impre sed with Vientos recent at-bats. Explore More His ability to make Bennett Sousa Jersey adjustments and his ability to go the other way, Mendoza said of what stood out about Vientos. He can do damage. Vientos did just that, first in the third inning when he hit a two-run homer out to right-center, and then an inning later with another opposite-field shot. Mendoza didnt rule out putting Vientos back in the two-hole in the future, Depending on whos available [and] who were facing. He looked comfortable. Mark Vientos (right) celebrates during the Mets lo s to the As on Aug. 15, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Vientos has looked good wherever hes hit for most of the season, which has mostly been fifth, sixth or seventh after taking over for Brett Baty in mid-May. Since becoming the full-time third baseman, Vientos has the fourth-highest OPS (.858) at the position, trailing only Bostons Rafael Devers, Clevelands Jose Ramirez and the Giants Matt Chapman. J.D. Martinez called Vientos hungry. I respect it, Martinez said. He shows up when dogs are on the mound. To Martinezs point, Vientos other two-homer game this year came in the Subway Series against Gerrit Cole. He had been just 6-for-33 in August until Thursdays lo s, but as Mendoza noted, Vientos power to all fields makes him dangerous at any time. Denis Menke Jersey