Carson Benge’s homer vs. lefty one key positive in Mets’ loss

TORONTO — Carson Benge cleared the fence in the eighth inning Wednesday, ensuring the Mets wouldn’t conclude their trip to Canada by getting shut out.

It was an offensive highlight for the Mets, but more importantly, it showed continued progress for the rookie Benge, who reached double digits with his 10th homer.

Interim manager Andy Green liked that Benge’s blast was against a left-hander, Patrick Corbin.

For Benge it was continuation into July of his performance last month, when he hit five of his homers.

“Anybody who starts the season the way he did in April, to rebound as a rookie usually has to go to the minor leagues to reset,” Green said following the 9-3 loss to the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

“It says a lot about how he’s wired and competes. I think we are pleased with the way he’s responded this year. I think there is more inside of him to keep getting better.”

Benge finished the day 2-for-5 and owns a .720 OPS. His OPS on May 2 was only .498.

Jorge Polanco’s rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse won’t include much, if any, action at first base as the Mets look to keep his left ankle from regressing.

“We’re just getting him DH at-bats, and at some point in time we’ll find first base when it’s time for that,” Green said. “But he is a guy that can help us dramatically, even just in the DH spot, so right now it’s been DH priorities, and we’ll make a determination based on how he’s feeling and whether it’s the right thing to do to get him to first base or not.”

The Mets, following Thursday’s day off, will keep their rotation in line for four games in Atlanta. Christian Scott, Sean Manaea, Nolan McLean and Freddy Peralta are scheduled to start in succession.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns declined comment when asked about Steve Cohen’s pronouncement that his job is safe.

Stearns, during his media availability last week, indicated Cohen had told him he wasn’t in danger of being fired.