Carson Benge returns to Mets’ starting lineup vs. Pirates after off-day wrist soreness

The Mets’ lineup has a familiar look again as outfielder Carson Benge returned to the starting lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, following an off day taken to recover from a wrist soreness scare. The move brings Benge back into the Mets’ day-to-day plans at a moment when every regular-season game can tighten the margin for a club’s season rhythm.

According to Yahoo Sports, Benge sat out the Saturday slate while New York worked through the wrist issue, opting for rest rather than pushing through. With the team receiving clearance to proceed, he is back as a starter for the rubber game against Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Benge’s reappearance matters beyond the lineup card because it affects how the Mets can distribute at-bats and defensive responsibilities in the outfield. Even when injuries do not become a long-term ailment, wrist soreness is the kind of problem that can influence swing timing and comfort, so the decision to return suggests the Mets’ medical staff was comfortable with his ability to play.

The Mets and Pirates meet in a series rubber game, a setting where both teams often treat lineups with extra care. For New York, reinstating a starter after an off day can help maintain consistency, particularly if the team has been rotating options to balance matchups and workload.

While the available reporting confirms Benge’s return and the reason for his temporary absence, it does not provide further specifics on the severity or medical evaluation. The key takeaway is that the Mets used Saturday as a recovery buffer and then moved him back into the starting role for Pittsburgh.

For fans watching the Mets’ offense and defense, the immediate question is how Benge looks once the game action begins. Wrist issues can show up in small ways, from the feel of contact to how the player tracks fly balls and plants for throws, so his performance may serve as an early indicator of whether the soreness is truly behind him.

Looking ahead, the Mets’ next steps will likely hinge on daily readiness. If Benge stays in the lineup consistently, New York can treat Sunday as a reset rather than a recurring concern, but the wrist will remain a monitor point as the season continues to move quickly.