The Mets have crafted a new lineup in an effort to rouse their scuffling offense.
Rookie outfielder Carson Benge is batting leadoff for Friday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. He hasn’t hit higher than sixth in the order in any of his first 16 MLB starts. Shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has been the club’s leadoff hitter in every game this season, was moved down to third.
The Mets have recorded a .175/.213/.257 slash line during their current eight-game losing streak. They have scored just 12 runs during that span.
Lindor picked up his first home run (and RBI) of the season on Tuesday against the Dodgers, but he is batting just .184 with a .576 OPS through 19 games. Benge hasn’t done much either (.151 average, .463 OPS through 59 plate appearances), but manager Carlos Mendoza is hoping that pushing the Mets' top prospect to the top of the order against Cubs right-hander Edward Cabrera can snap the team’s slump.