Mets Make Juan Soto Change for Tigers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated May 12, 2026 2:58 PM ET

The New York Mets have been looking for answers on how to turn their season around for weeks. Manager Carlos Mendoza and the Mets currently hold the worst record in Major League Baseball at 15-25. This is also the franchise's worst start through 40 games since 1993.

New York has battled injury woes through the beginning of the season, with stars like Juan Soto, Louis Robert Jr. and Francisco Lindor all missing time. One of the biggest of these absences has been Lindor.

He last played on April 22 and has been out since then with a calf strain. Because of this, the Mets needed another player to step up as the leadoff hitter. After trying out Bo Bichette at the top of the lineup, Mendoza turned to Soto to be the leadoff man.

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto against the Arizona Diamondbacks.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Soto has batted first in the Mets' lineup for the past six games and has struggled at that spot in the order. In those six games, he has gone just 2-for-21 at the plate with one home run, two RBIs and three walks.

On Tuesday, when New York announced its lineup for the series opener against the Detroit Tigers, Soto was listed as the third batter in the lineup, while rookie Carson Benge batted leadoff.

Back home! #LGM pic.twitter.com/8SI9sdhgfK
— New York Mets (@Mets) May 12, 2026

While Benge struggled to start his first year in the majors, he has been swinging the bat better recently. In his past seven games, the 23-year-old right fielder has gone 7-for-21 with five RBIs, six runs scored and four walks.

While this may not seem like a big change for the Mets, Mendoza and the coaching staff are doing everything they can to right the ship before their season gets out of hand.

Tuesday's matchup between New York and Detroit is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Citi Field.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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