Mets Juan Soto hits leadoff for first time in…
DENVER — In search of a new look for his ailing lineup, Mets supervisor Carlos Mendoza inserted his best hitter into the leadoff spot Monday.
It was Juan Soto’s first leadoff look since May 30, 2021, with the Nationals.
During his Mets tenure, Soto has hit virtually completely in the No. 2 gap.
“It’s something I have been thinking about the last few days with a lot of players on the injured list,” Mendoza said before the Mets confronted the Rockies at Coors Field. “It just got to the point, watching how teams use their bullpen — not so much Juan, but the guys behind him — is forcing us to make decisions a lot earlier in games.”
Bo Bichette had largely been hitting leadoff since Francisco Lindor was positioned on the injured record 1 ½ weeks in the past.
Juan Soto swings during the Mets’ May 4 recreation against the Rockies. AP
Bichette slid to No. 2 with Soto’s elevation to leadoff.
Mendoza broached the subject with Soto on Sunday and was inspired that Soto purchased into the concept.
Mendoza started his pregame media session by remembering former Yankees radio voice John Sterling, who died at age 87.
Mendoza shaped a relationship with Sterling during his years as a Yankees coach.
“When I got the job here, he was one of the first phone calls I received,” Mendoza said. “I created a very good relationship with him and he will be missed.”
A.J. Minter is predicted to pitch back-to-back beginning Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse to conclude his minor league rehab project.
Mendoza was uncertain if the lefty reliever would rejoin the workforce in Arizona or wait until the Mets return home before being activated from the injured record.
Minter hasn’t pitched for the Mets since April of last season after present process lat surgical procedure.
Mendoza indicated he chosen Huascar Brazobán over Tobias Myers as Monday’s opener against the Rockies based on workload.
Brazobán pitched one inning Saturday against the Angels.
Myers pitched 2 ²/₃ innings in the same recreation.
Carl Edwards Jr. was outrighted to Syracuse and elected free company moderately than settle for a minor league project.
Stay up to date with the latest trending topics! Visit our web site daily for the freshest Sports news and content, fastidiously curated to keep you informed.
