Luis Robert Jr. is slated to start in left field for the New York Mets on Sunday, marking the first time in his major league career he will play the position. The decision by interim manager Andy Green aims to accommodate rookie A.J. Ewing, who is expected to see increased action in center field.
Green indicated that Ewing, who has recently played primarily in left, will transition from playing center field once every three games to playing it twice every three games. Robert will still receive starts in center field every third game. The Mets had hoped to trade Robert before the deadline, but a deal did not materialize, leaving the team with two players capable of playing center field.
Ewing has performed well in center field this season, earning his opportunity when Robert was placed on the injured list in April. Robert took pregame repetitions at the new position with outfield coach Gilbert Gomez and expressed confidence in his ability to adapt.
In other team news, pitcher Kodai Senga has signaled his readiness to pitch on consecutive days if necessary. Senga, who has taken over the closer role in the absence of Devin Williams due to injury, earned his second save in as many opportunities on Friday. Green suggested that back-to-back appearances for Senga are imminent if the game situations arise, though he will not force the issue.
Additionally, Carson Benge has extended his on-base streak to 18 games, a mark that trails only Juan Soto's 18-game streak from March 26 to May 2 for the longest by a Mets player this season. Benge reached base in his Saturday game against the Nationals after going 1-for-2 at the plate.