Carson Benge delivers key hit in the 10th after being placed in the No. 5 batting position.

PHOENIX — Carson Benge’s Rise in the Mets’ Lineup

Carson Benge has recently made a significant impact, earning a spot in the Mets’ batting order at No. 5. This change came as the team faced the Diamondbacks, aiming to spark their unpredictable offense during a game that ended with a 3-1 score after 10 innings.

His contribution was notable; Benge hit an RBI double in the 10th and finished the game with one hit, one walk, and a couple of RBIs. Coming into this game, he had been performing well over the last 13 games, boasting a .325 batting average with a .372 on-base percentage and .550 slugging percentage, including two home runs.

Earlier this season, he made a brief appearance at the leadoff position, but he generally batted lower in the order, mostly around seventh or eighth.

Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Benge’s abilities, saying, “He doesn’t miss pitches, uses the whole field, and places the ball where it needs to go. That’s why he’s hitting fifth today,” during the game at Chase Field.

Interestingly, Benge didn’t start strong with the team, posting an OPS of just .416 by late April.

Mendoza acknowledged the challenges younger players face, especially during their adjustment period, noting, “It’s tougher when you’re the newest or youngest on the team. But I tell him to just be himself and not fixate on the numbers. He has a long way to go and is too good a player.” Keeping it simple seems to be the best advice right now.

Meanwhile, David Peterson is maintained as a pitcher in support of the starters, but Mendoza categorizes him also as a reliever who could be utilized as needed, depending on game situations.

Mendoza shared his perspective on Peterson’s role, stating, “I think he’s a bit of both. When he pitches out of the bullpen, we treat him like a starter since he needs rest. But how we use him can vary based on the game situation.”

Peterson is expected to pitch in Sunday’s opener, though Mendoza mentioned the possibility that he might be utilized on Saturday if the circumstances call for it.