JUPITER, Fla. — Carson Benge has performed at a high enough level this spring to earn a job with the Mets. Now he awaits the final verdict.
The stud prospect completed his initial Grapefruit League season Sunday, finishing 1-for-3 in the 4-3 loss to the Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
Benge, who finished with an .874 OPS in 14 games, hardly appeared overwhelmed, both on the field and off.
“I am happy that I carried myself in a really good way,” the 23-year-old outfielder said. “I showed everyone what kind of person I am and I feel like that is what spoke the loudest for me.”
Mike Tauchman’s removal from the mix — the veteran outfielder has a torn meniscus in his left knee that needs surgery — may have strengthened Benge’s chances, although the Mets conceivably could have carried both Tauchman and Benge.
Tyrone Taylor and Brett Baty are right field options, and Jared Young is another possibility.
But it may be determined that Benge is ready, handing him the starting job.
The Mets will break camp after a workout Monday, but it’s possible Benge won’t know his fate until just before Thursday’s season opener.
Benge is not on the 40-man roster.
“I’ll be patient,” Benge said. “I have waited this long, I will wait a little longer.”
Benge was asked about his biggest takeaway from camp.
“Just the level that these guys play at,” Benge said. “Day in and day out, they put in the work. They put real focus into everything they do, from preparation, hydration, stuff on the field, stuff off the field is really what I picked up.”
Nolan McLean and Sean Manaea will pitch in Monday’s intrasquad scrimmage.
It will be a final tuneup for McLean before his scheduled Sunday start against the Pirates.
It’s unclear when Manaea will pitch for the first time, as he begins the season in the bullpen in a piggyback role.
Clay Holmes and Kodai Senga will remain in Port St. Lucie to pitch in minor league games this week before heading north.
David Peterson allowed one earned run on five hits over five innings against the Marlins to finish the Grapefruit League with a 4.15 ERA.
The lefty is scheduled to face the Pirates on Saturday at Citi Field.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
