PORT ST. LUCIE — Carson Benge’s Performance on the Field

At Clover Park, there wasn’t a sense of panic just yet, but knowing the area, had Carson Benge produced more no-hitter games, things might have looked a bit different.

Benge, often called Benji, had three hits yesterday, alleviating any worries during Wednesday’s 6-0 defeat against the Cardinals. His hits included an infield hit, a single to the opposite field, and a grounder to the left side. Each of these came with two strikes, and it looked like Benji was just as pleased about that as he was with his performance.

“I hate striking out,” he admitted. “It’s part of who I am. So being able to battle through every pitch really matters to me.” His determination could be significant for the Mets, as the 23-year-old sees himself as a strong contender for the starting right field position this Spring.

Despite having only 24 games under his belt at the Triple-A level, the Mets view his talents as worthy of consideration for joining the big leagues next month. The choice is now his to make.

His at-bats during Wednesday’s game highlighted his potential; his second hit struck at 161 mph, showcasing his capability at the plate.

When asked to comment on Benji’s abilities, manager Carlos Mendoza pointed out, “His determination to keep going, especially when he’s behind in the count, stands out. He just finds a way to get the ball in play.” Benji himself mentioned that he’s fiercely competing for a spot and aims to grab every opportunity presented to him.

“I’m soaking up all I can from the veteran players here,” he said about his experience this spring. “I feel like I’m adjusting daily as I learn how things are done.” Adapting alongside such skilled players is clearly impressive to him.

While you can’t expect much more from a player who went 3-for-3, Benji is confident that his ability to make contact will enhance his overall game.

“I think it’s driven by my dislike of striking out. I’ll do whatever it takes to avoid that,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to getting the ball in play.

While some might overlook strikeouts as long as productivity is maintained, Benji holds a different perspective. “I strive to fight for each at-bat and avoid giving anything away with careless swings,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Francisco Lindor is on the mend from hand surgery that he had on February 11, with the stitch removal happening just yesterday. He’s on track to start impact training within a few days, according to Mendoza.

“So far, things are progressing well,” the coach mentioned. If everything continues smoothly, Lindor could start hitting again in about two weeks, potentially being ready for Opening Day.

On another note, Mendoza indicated that Brett Batty, who has been dealing with hamstring issues, is set to play at first base by week’s end. Additionally, Vidal Boujean has returned to action after suffering a thumb injury during Monday’s game.