Mets Notes: Carson Benge back in the leadoff spot, MJ Melendez impressing early on

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke prior to Saturday's meeting with the Cubs...

Benge leading off

With the Mets’ offense shorthanded and struggling, Mendoza decided to shake things up in the lineup for Friday’s series opener in Chicago.

Part of that shakeup included Carson Benge jumping up to the leadoff spot.

Benge enjoyed himself a strong day in his first career start in that spot, lacing a 105 mph lineout to open the game then picking up a single up the middle a few innings later.

This continues a good stretch for the young outfielder, who is riding a three-game hitting streak and has reached safely in six of his last seven games.

While some of the decision has to do with the Mets' options at the moment, the skipper liked what he saw from Benge in his first chance in that spot.

“He continues to have good at-bats,” Mendoza said. “Yesterday he hit the ball hard, had that single, but I think it just comes down to personnel, we have to get some guys back in the lineup, then you start making those decisions -- but in the meantime, I feel like leaving him there makes the most sense.”

Melendez bringing a spark

MJ Melendez had gotten off to a bit of a slow start this year in Syracuse, but that certainly hasn’t shown following the sluggers call-up to the Mets this week.

Melendez went 2-for-4 with two well-struck doubles against Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday.

Thrown back into the lineup on Friday, the outfielder put together another strong showing, reaching three times with a walk and a pair of hard-hit singles.

He’s now been on-base five times over his first eight plate appearances.

“Really good at-bats,” Mendoza said. “We saw it from the first game against Ohtani, hitting the ball hard, using the whole field, controlling the zone -- he’s been really good for us offensively and he’s going to continue to get opportunities.”

Melendez is back in the lineup hitting fifth as the DH on Saturday, but it’s possible he sees time at first base over the next few weeks with landing on the IL.