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3d ago

Mets Try Juan Soto at Leadoff, Then Beat Rockies 4-2

Mendoza sought more early baserunners in response to quicker bullpen use.

Apr 30, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) hits a single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Juan Soto of the New York Mets batting against the Colorado Rockies.

Overview

  • Manager Carlos Mendoza moved Juan Soto to the leadoff spot Monday at Coors Field, just the third leadoff start of Soto’s career.
  • The switch appeared on the official lineup card, with Mendoza saying bullpen-heavy opponents force earlier decisions and that he wants “easy traffic” and more at-bats for Soto.
  • New York won 4-2 after a four-run sixth that included a Carson Benge leadoff homer, doubles by Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens, and a two-run single from Mark Vientos.
  • The Mets ran a bullpen plan with Huascar Brazobán opening and Austin Warren following before David Peterson worked four innings for the win, and Craig Kimbrel and Devin Williams finished the final two frames.
  • Soto went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run, the team improved to 13-22 after the game was moved up three hours for weather, and baseball operations chief David Stearns has publicly supported treating the leadoff move as a short-term trial.