Mark Vientos

Hader walked one. With two outs and the tying run on second, he gave up a 108-mph liner to Mark Vientos that found shortstop Jeremy Pena's glove to end the game. Hader is 2-for-2 in save chances through three games.

With the Astros throwing left-hander Framber Valdez, the Mets will turn to Acuna at second base instead of the left-handed-hitter Baty. Acuna didn't have as impressive a spring, and Baty will likely be on the strong side of the platoon and starting against right-handed pitchers, but it's worth noting that the Mets are going to give both young players at-bats early in the season. The Mets' full lineup is: Francisco Lindor SS, Juan Soto RF, Pete Alonso 1B, Mark Vientos 3B, Brandon Nimmo LF, Starling Marte DH, Tyrone Taylor CF, Luisangel Acuna 2B, Luis Torrens C.

Even with franchise royalty such as David Wright and Howard Johnson owning third base for the Mets during the team s history, the position has been a club trouble spot at times, too.

The Mets hit three home runs in an 8-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night in Grapefruit League action.