Luis Robert Jr.’s next stop is left field.
With the Mets looking to receive more action for rookie A.J. Ewing in center field — the position he figures to play for the foreseeable future — Robert is scheduled to start in left Sunday for the first time in his major league career, according to interim manager Andy Green.
“I think he has confidence he’s ultimately going to be fine there,” Green said before the Mets rallied past the Nationals at Citi Field, noting that Robert took pregame reps at the position with outfield coach Gilbert Gomez.
Green expects Ewing (who lately has played mostly in left) will go from playing center field once every three games to twice every three games.
Robert would still get every third start in center.
The Mets hoped to trade Robert before the deadline, but a deal never materialized, leaving them with two center fielders.
Ewing got his opportunity this season after Robert went on the injured list in April and has played the position at a high level.
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Kodai Senga indicated to Green during the last trip that he was fine to pitch a second straight day if needed.
The right-hander wasn’t needed, but it served as a message to Green that back-to-back appearances shouldn’t be an issue for Senga, who has shifted to the closer’s role with Devin Williams on the injured list. Senga earned his second save in as many chances Friday.
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“Assuming he feels good, a back-to-back is imminent if the situation arises,” Green said. “I don’t feel pressed to force it just to say he threw back-to-back. It’s going to happen, so if it doesn’t happen today or this week, I am not bothered by it. We’ll let the games determine how he is used.”
Carson Benge has reached base in 18 straight games thanks to his 1-for-2 effort against the Nationals on Saturday, the second-longest such streak by a Mets player this season.
Juan Soto reached base in 18 straight games from March 26 to May 2 (with an IL stint in the middle).
