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PHOENIX — Carson Benge’s impressive performance has earned him a prominent position in the Mets’ batting lineup, reflecting his growing influence on the team.
In an effort to inject life into the Mets’ inconsistent offense, manager Carlos Mendoza positioned the rookie outfielder in the fifth spot during Friday’s 3-1 victory over the Diamondbacks, which extended into 10 innings.
The decision proved fruitful as Benge delivered a crucial RBI double in the 10th inning, contributing significantly with a performance that included going 1-for-3, a walk, and an RBI.
Before this game, Benge was enjoying a hot streak, boasting a .325/.372/.550 slash line with two home runs over his last 13 appearances.
Earlier in the season, he predominantly batted in the seventh or eighth positions, with a brief stint as the leadoff hitter last month.
“He’s not missing pitches, using the whole field, putting the ball where he needs to, going the other way when needed and that is why he’s in there today,” Mendoza said at Chase Field.
Benge got off to a slow start with the team, owning a .416 OPS on April 23.
“There’s always an adjustment period and it makes it tougher when we have got a lot of guys going through it at the same time and you are the new guy on the team or the youngest guy,” Mendoza said. “But what I keep telling him is, ‘Be yourself. Don’t be looking at the numbers right now, there is a long way to go and you are too good a player.’ Just keeping it simple.”
David Peterson has been pitching behind an opener, but Mendoza also in a sense considers the left-hander as part of the bullpen and somebody who could be used in relief if the situation dictates.
“I think he’s a little bit of both,” Mendoza said when asked if he considers Peterson a starter or reliever. “When he throws that many pitches out of the bullpen, you kind of treat him as a starter because he needs to rest. But I think every day, every game, depending where you are going into the game, who’s up, who’s down, [dictates] how you are going to use him.”
Peterson is lined up to pitch behind an opener Sunday, but Mendoza cautioned that Peterson (already on full rest following his Monday appearance) could be considered for action if a situation arose Saturday.
The Mets are 12-4 at Chase Field since 2021.