NEW YORK — Brett Baty struggled in the early part of the season. So much so that when the Mets needed to send a player down to make room for second baseman Jeff McNeil, who was being activated off the IL on April 24, Baty got the call.

It was another great day at the plate for New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty. Despite the Mets coming up short against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, losing 6-5, Baty once again proved that he belongs in the major leagues.

It was his second consecutive night with a home run and came after Carlos Mendoza said he won’t force Baty into the lineup, even as he tries to get the infielder playing time following his recent call-up from Triple-A Syracuse due to Jesse Winker’s stint on the injured list.