Mark Vientos’ improved plate discipline pays off again for Mets in win vs. Nationals

WASHINGTON — Improving plate discipline was a major focus heading into last offseason for Mark Vientos.

Through two weeks since his recall from Triple-A Syracuse, the Mets third baseman seems to have it figured out.

On Monday he reached base four times in helping lead his team’s 8-7 victory over the Nationals.

Vientos went 2-for-3 with a homer and walked twice as part of the Mets’ 13-hit attack.

“It starts in the [batting] cage and taking it very seriously, even with flips,” said Vientos, who owns a 1.070 OPS. “Flips, as easy as it is … sometimes we take it off and start swinging at anything. The guy is flipping the ball 20 mph, imagine the guy throwing it 90-something during the game. I take it seriously as soon as I step in the cage and tell myself to swing at strikes.”

Vientos’ blast leading off the fourth against MacKenzie Gore gave him five homers for the season, three of which have been hit against left-handers.

“Honestly I didn’t think I got it until I saw the exit velocity,” said Vientos, whose shot left the bat at 104.7 mph. “Then I said, ‘OK, I hit it pretty well.’ ”

Francisco Alvarez won’t accompany the Mets to London for their two games against the Phillies this weekend, but could be activated from the injured list on the ensuing homestand, according to Mendoza.

The catcher, who is returning from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, has appeared in three games for Double-A Binghamton since beginning his rehab assignment.

Luis Torrens, who arrived in a trade with the Yankees on Friday, was behind the plate for a second straight game on Monday.

The Mets also have veteran Tomas Nido, who has handled most of the catching duties in Alvarez’s absence.

Drew Smith was fully available to pitch, a day after Mendoza said the reliever was only an option in an emergency situation.

Mendoza was asked why Smith was activated from the injured list Sunday if he was only available for an emergency.

Mendoza said Smith’s limited availability was still more than the Mets would have had from Josh Walker, who pitched the previous day.

Walker was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse as the corresponding roster move.