PORT ST. LUCIE — Panic had not yet set in at Clover Park, but knowing these parts, if Carson Benge had too many more hitless games, there would have been some red flags.
Benge eased any potential early concerns with a three-hit day in Wednesday’s 6-0 loss to the Cardinals, reaching on an infield hit, an opposite-field single and a grounder through the left side of the infield.
Each hit came with two strikes — a fact Benge seemed as pleased with as the results.
“I hate striking out,” Benge said. “That’s one thing about me. So being able to fight for every pitch, scrap 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 having played just 24 games at the Triple-A level, the Mets think enough of Benge’s skill set that they’re giving him a chance to be in Queens next month. He just has to take it.
Wednesday’s performance at the plate showed why, putting up three tough at-bats and drilling his second hit 101 mph.
“The ability to stay in the fight, especially when he gets behind in counts,’’ Carlos Mendoza said when asked what stood out about Benge. “Fouling off pitches, using the whole field [and] putting the ball in play. He just finds a way.”
While he’s fighting for a job, Benge said he’s trying to take advantage of every part of the opportunity.
“Just soaking up every bit of information I can from veteran guys around here,’’ Benge said of his experience in major league camp. “I feel like I’m getting adjusted day by day, seeing what it takes [and] seeing how good they are.”
And although it’s hard to count on too many more 3-for-3 afternoons, Benge is confident his bat-to-ball skills will only help his game.
“I feel that sprouted from me not liking to strike out,’’ Benge said. “I’d do anything not to strike out. Just put the ball in play.”
So while some in the game disregard the number of whiffs they pile up, as long as the production is there, Benge has a different mindset.
“I try to go out there and fight every at-bat and not give anything away with a dumb swing,’’ Benge said.
Francisco Lindor continues to progress in his recovery from the hand surgery he underwent Feb. 11, with the stitches removed Tuesday and “impact” drills expected to begin within the next few days, according to Mendoza.
“So far, it’s been good,’’ the manager said.
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, is scheduled to play first base by this weekend, according to Mendoza. … Vidal Bruján, who left Monday’s game after getting spiked in his left thumb while stealing second, returned to the lineup Wednesday.
— Additional reporting by Mike Puma
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
