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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 26: Carson Benge #3 of the New York Mets looks on during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field on March 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

On Friday afternoon, the New York Mets will open up a series with the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

They are in the middle of an eight-game losing streak (most recently losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers by a score of 8-2).

New York Mets Announce Carson Benge Decision

GettyCarson Benge #3 of the New York Mets reacts after striking out against the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh inning at Busch Stadium on March 31, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.

For Friday’s game, the Mets have announced their starting lineup.

They have made several changes, including Carson Benge being slotted as the leadoff hitter.

@SleeperMets wrote: “Mets lineup today: ⏰: 2:20pm 📺: SNY

1. Carson Benge RF 2. Bo Bichette 3B 3. Francisco Lindor SS 4. Luis Robert Jr CF 5. Francisco Alvarez C 6. MJ Melendez DH 7. Marcus Semien 2B 8. Brett Baty 1B 9. Tyrone Taylor LF

SP: Kodai Senga”

GettyCarson Benge #3 of the New York Mets looks on during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field on March 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City.

Benge is in the middle of his rookie season.

He is batting .151 with one home run, three RBI’s, five runs and five stolen bases in 16 games.

MLB Social Media Reacts To Benge Decision

GettyCarson Benge #3 of the New York Mets walks off the field after the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field on March 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. The New York Mets won 11-7.

Here’s what people were saying on social media:

@RobinBanks93531: “This is a great move if anybody knows ball and knows benge”

@Rome24Dawg: “Dude can’t sniff big league pitching and he’s batting leadoff now 😂 The Mets are a joke”

@dmoesch: “Finally a move that makes sense! Let the kids play….”

GettyCarson Benge #93 of the New York Mets celebrates after scoring against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a spring training gameat Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida.

@AlSimmons24: “Sure bat the dude who’s 1 for his last 300 lead off”

@Mikevegaag: “My boy BENGE, hitting FIRST!!! I’m not giving up on him, he’s just too good for me. Even with his MLB adjustment period.”

@sportscasterscl: “Excellent to mix it up and make something happen! 👏”

Mets And Cubs Right Now

GettyManager Carlos Mendoza #64 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 29, 2025 in San Diego, California.

The Mets come into the day as the last-place team in the National League East with a 7-12 record in 19 games.

They are 4-6 in ten games on the road.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are the last-place team in the National League Central with a 9-9 record in 18 games.

They are 4-5 in nine games at home.