This afternoon, the Mets announced that Carson Benge has officially made the Opening Day roster and will be playing right field when the Mets take on Paul Skenes and the Pirates on March 26 at Citi Field.
The team’s number 2 ranked prospect was impressive in camp, hitting .366/.435/.439 in 41 at-bats during Grapefruit League action. During the offseason, David Stearns made it clear that Benge would be given the opportunity to compete for a spot and the 23-year-old made the most of his opportunity. A path for him to the majors became even clearer when the team announced that Juan Soto would be moving to left field this year, which opened up a more natural spot for Benge.
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Outfielder Mike Tauchman was having a strong spring and was also competing for the last outfield spot but, unfortunately for him, he tore his meniscus in his knee, which will put him out for a lengthy amount of time. But even before the injury to Tauchman, Benge had firmly placed himself in the conversation for the Opening Day roster.
On the flip side, veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel was told he did not make the team, but the 37-year-old is sticking with the organization in the minor leagues. He allowed three runs in six innings this spring and could be a useful piece to the bullpen if a spot opens up during the season.
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