HARBOR ST. LUCIE – There was no panic yet in Clover Park, but if Carson Benge knew these parts, there would have been some red flags if Carson Benge had had too many hitless games.
Benge allayed any early concerns with a three-hit day in Wednesday’s 6-0 loss to the Cardinals, reaching base on an infield hit, an opposite-field single and a grounder through the left side of the infield.
Each hit was accompanied by two hits – a fact that Benge seemed as happy with as the results.
“I hate dropping out,” Benge said. “That’s one thing about me. So to be able to fight for every pitch and brace for it is really big.”
And could be just as big for the Mets, who have made no secret that the 23-year-old Benge is in the mix to win the starting job in right field this spring.
Despite playing just 24 games at the Triple-A level, the Mets like Benge’s skills enough that they are giving him the opportunity to play in Queens next month. He just has to take it.
Wednesday’s performance at the plate showed why, putting together three heavy at-bats and drilling his second hit at 101 mph.
“The ability to stay in the fight, especially when he falls behind,” Carlos Mendoza said when asked what stood out about Benge. “Mistakes off the field, using the entire field [and] putting the ball into play. He just finds a way.”
As he fights for a job, Benge says he’s trying to make the most of every opportunity.
“I’m just soaking up all the information I can from experienced guys around here,” Benge said of his experience in Major League camp. “I feel like I have to adapt every day, see what it takes [and] see how good they are.”
And while it’s hard to count on many more 3-on-3 afternoons, Benge is confident his bat-to-ball skills will only benefit his game.
“I feel like it came from me that I don’t like to strike out,” Benge said. “I would do anything not to strike out. Just put the ball in play.”
So while some in the game don’t take into account the number of scents they pile up, as long as the production is there, Benge has a different mentality.
“I try to go out there and fight every shot and not give anything away with a stupid swing,” Benge said.
Francisco Lindor continues to make progress in his recovery from the hand surgery he underwent on Feb. 11, with stitches removed Tuesday and “impact” exercises expected to begin in a few days, Mendoza said.
“So far it’s going well,” says the manager.
If all goes well, the shortstop could also start hitting in two weeks as he recovers from the stress reaction in his left hamate bone, seemingly putting him in position to be ready for Opening Day.
Brett Baty, slowed by hamstring discomfort, will play first base this weekend, according to Mendoza. … Vidal Bruján, who left Monday’s game after taking a spike in his left thumb while stealing second place, returned to the lineup Wednesday.
— Additional reporting by Mike Puma
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