Brett Baty’s return to the lineup allowed for the only really good Mets swing against Cam Schlittler on Sunday. 

After the Yankees ace fired 4 ²/₃ hitless innings, Baty launched a double off the right field fence at Yankee Stadium. It was the only hit Schlittler surrendered over six innings in the Mets’ 2-0 loss. 

Baty had missed the previous two games after departing with left knee pain Wednesday in Miami. He started at second base Sunday. 

“It’s really kind of mean as a manager to give him two days off and tell him to go get Schlittler, after sitting with an off-day on the front side of that,” interim manager Andy Green said. “It’s good that he is healthy. It’s fun to watch him slide headfirst into second base.” 

Over his past 15 games, Baty has produced a 1.101 OPS. 

Nate Lavender pitched a scoreless seventh in his first appearance since his streak of 14 shutout innings to begin his major league career was snapped Wednesday in Miami. The left-hander allowed one walk and one strikeout. In his previous appearance he surrendered three earned runs and recorded only one out. 

“He was right back to being himself,” Green said. “Getting lazy fly balls, getting above barrels a little bit and then just a relatively efficient inning. He’s a guy we’re excited about. He will continue to work. I wasn’t worried about him getting back on the mound after finally giving up some runs.” 

Jonah Tong will be the third rookie in four games to start for the Mets when he faces the Orioles on Monday at Citi Field. The right-hander was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse last week and allowed four earned runs over five innings in a win over the Marlins. 

The Mets will begin their final homestand of the season, with the Phillies (four games) following the Orioles into Queens. 

The Mets split the season series with the Yankees. All time in the regular season, the Mets are 72-86 in the Subway Series. This includes a 21-27 record at the present Yankee Stadium.