PITTSBURGH — Carson Benge found himself catching an unexpected break on Saturday, though not severe enough to land him on the injured list.
The rookie outfielder suffered a bone bruise after injuring his left wrist during a remarkable sliding catch in left field. Pain prompted Benge to leave the game, but initial X-rays ruled out any fractures. On the following day, further imaging revealed a bone bruise, according to interim manager Andy Green. The announcement came before the Mets suffered a 9-0 defeat at the hands of the Pirates.
This setback removes one of the Mets’ most promising hitters from the lineup temporarily. However, the optimistic prognosis suggests Benge’s return to the field could occur in just a few days.
“I felt something was off right away,” Benge recalled of his encounter with the left field wall at PNC Park. “Initially, it seemed to ease up after about ten seconds, but once I got back to the dugout and the adrenaline wore off, the pain flared up again.”
The play was the latest defensive gem for the 23-year-old Benge, who has shined offensively and defensively.
“I always want to be in there every single day, but I feel like this isn’t something that is going to take me a long time to come back from,” Benge said.
The Mets activated infielder Gabriel Arias and optioned Eric Wagaman to Triple-A Syracuse. Arias was claimed off waivers from the Guardians on Friday, two days after he was designated for assignment.
“I think he provides us a greater measure of defensive versatility than Eric Wagaman does,” Green said. “We really like Wags’ bat, but given who we have at DH and first base it’s hard to find him consistent opportunity. Gabe gives u an opportunity to rest the regulars on the left side — if Francisco [Lindor] needs a day off and even some of the games where you get a blowout situation and you get somebody off their feet.”