Overview
- Club president David Stearns said Friday the Mets are not discussing a Triple-A demotion for Benge and will let him work through early struggles.
- The 23-year-old is hitting .108 through 11 games after starting 3-for-34 since his Opening Day homer, and he snapped an 0-for-24 with a single in Wednesday's loss to Arizona.
- Stearns highlighted Benge's value on defense and the bases, noting his 4-for-4 success on steals and his ability to help in the outfield even when the bat is quiet.
- Keeping him on the roster also preserves outfield options while Juan Soto is out, which would be harder to manage if Benge were sent down now.
- The Mets flagged near-term depth help, with Sean Manaea expected to make starts this season, A.J. Minter on a rehab assignment, Craig Kimbrel logging a clean Low-A inning, and Tommy Pham beginning a minor-league buildup toward Triple-A.