Rookie outfielders Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing of the New York Mets are navigating the challenges of the major league season, marked by an uptick in strikeouts for both players. A National League scout familiar with the players noted that this increase is not unexpected given their lack of experience with a full MLB schedule.
Ewing has recorded 14 strikeouts in his last seven games, the highest such total in any seven-game stretch this season. Benge has registered 11 strikeouts in the same period, also his personal high for a seven-game span. The scout attributed these struggles more to the physical and mental toll of a long season than to opposing pitchers figuring them out.
"It's the second half of the season and they’ve never had a year like this," the scout said. "Pitchers and teams are figuring them out, but I think it’s more the wear and tear of a long season." Ewing, who is approaching his 22nd birthday, had previously struck out over 100 times in each of his two full minor league seasons before his call-up to the Mets in May. The scout expressed confidence that Ewing's strikeout numbers would decrease as he gains more comfort at the major league level.
"No one expected him to get here this quickly," the scout added. "I would expect those numbers to go down as he gets more comfortable at this level, so I’m not worried about it."
The scout also voiced concern about the overall environment at Citi Field for any player, particularly as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches and the team is reportedly in a selling mode. However, he acknowledged that both rookies have performed adequately thus far.
In other news for the Mets, pitcher Clay Holmes completed his first rehab outing with Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday. Holmes, who had a strong start to the season before fracturing his right fibula, threw 45 pitches in a simulated game on Saturday. An American League scout indicated that Holmes could generate significant trade interest if he returns to his pre-injury form by the deadline.
Separately, Juan Soto is expected to return to the lineup on Friday after a day off to rest a calf issue. Since returning from soreness in his left calf, Soto has batted 2-for-16 with no extra-base hits, three walks, and five strikeouts. Despite this recent stretch, Soto remains a consistent offensive threat for the Mets, holding a .944 OPS, which ranks fourth in the majors for most of the season.