When Do We Worry About Benge?

[Gwreck]

It’s only been 10 games, but he’s not hitting at all.  

After his great opening day (1-3, 2 walks, a homer) there’s been a total of two hits and 3 walks in the next 9 games.

The defense is solid (and he’s looked ok at all three outfield positions) but if he’s not hitting, how long before we worry?

 

[Frayed Knot]

"Worry" isn't the term I'd use. At some point if he doesn't start hitting you can send him down but that's not a big deal. He's likely here until Soto gets back no matter what happens so that's probably the time to re-evaluate things.

[Cowtipper]

Now. Don't "worry," per se, but don't necessarily stick with him. They have a whole slew of prospects. Let the revolving door start now. See who sticks. 

[Centerfield]

It’s not just that he’s struggling. He looks overmatched. 
 

still. I think you have to give him 3 weeks minimum. 

[Benjamin Grimm]

Like FK said, wait until Soto comes back. Or a couple of more weeks, whichever comes first. 

[metirish]

Benge looked bad on his last SO , I'm worried for him, just needs a few hits 

[Frayed Knot]

And he breaks his 0-for-24 streak with a single to RF

Willie Mays famously started his career 0/24*

 

 

* upon further review, it looks like Willie started his ML career going 1/26 before breaking that with a triple  followed by two doubles the next day. He got a bit better from there. 

[Lefty Specialist]

Well, it's worrisome, but with Soto out, he's going to be run out there every day.  Maybe finally getting that hit he'll relax a bit.  He's been Archie Bell to this point, as Keith would say.

[The Hot Corner]

I don't think the Mets have many alternatives at this point.   Looking at the Mets options for an outfield replacement if they were to send Carson Benge down to Syracuse:

Juan Soto is on IL for 2-3 weeks with a right calf strain

Mike Tauchman is recovering from surgical repair of a torn meniscus in his left knee - Likely out until mid-late May.

RJ Melendez has never really hit much and is currently hitting .188 at AAA Syracuse.

Nick Morbito is in his first season above AA Binghamton.  Currently hitting .364 in 33 at Syracuse.  Off to a hot start, but are the Mets willing to move him up to replace Benge?

Tommy Pham has yet to make an appearance in the minors since signing with the Mets following Tauchman's injury in late March.

Carson Benge will likely remain with the Mets until either Juan Soto returns, Tommy Pham is ready, or if the Mets want to see if Nick Morabito can do better than Benge.  I suspect they will wait for Soto or Pham.  Of course, Benge could start hitting and make this discussion a mute point, which would be the best possible option.

[Edgy MD]

What's to worry about?

I mean, most people don't catch on the first time they are called up.  He looked bad in his strikeout today?  Well, maybe, but most people don't look good when they strike out, and it's not like he's striking out three times a day.  He's made some good contact, and if Jorge Barrosa could cool his jets a bit, things might be looking pretty differeint.

He had only 24 games at AAA (during which, he did pretty badly).

Vientos was pretty bad, and then he was very good, and then he was kinda bad again.  Baty was kinda bad and then he was kinda OK.  Establishing oneself is a process that can take many paths. 

Maybe he will need to return to AAA, but maybe not.  It is probably too soon to decide, but 43 years ago folks were having the same conversation about Darryl Strawberry.  Only then, the forum was a bunch of stone tablets and shit.

[duan]

Juan Soto is on IL for 2-3 weeks with a right calf strain

Suspect he needs to show signs of life by this 

 

Mike Tauchman is recovering from surgical repair of a torn meniscus in his left knee - Likely out until mid-late May.

and be viable OF by this. 

[Ceetar]

Gee, almost seems like the Mets could've used someone like Brandon Nimmo a lot more than someone like Marcus Semien, who could've possible foreseen that besides anyone that had actually looked at the roster. 

[seawolf17]

You know, in the Season Predictions thread I was going to say "Benge is hitting .113 on May 1 and everyone is panicked."

YA GOTTA BELIEVE. Let him cook.