DENVER — In search of a new look for his ailing lineup, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza inserted his best hitter into the leadoff spot Monday.
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It was Juan Soto’s first leadoff appearance since May 30, 2021, with the Nationals.
During his Mets tenure, Soto has hit almost exclusively in the No. 2 hole.
“It’s something I have been thinking about the last few days with a lot of players on the injured list,” Mendoza said before the Mets faced the Rockies at Coors Field. “It just got to the point, watching how teams use their bullpen — not so much Juan, but the guys behind him — is forcing us to make decisions a lot earlier in games.”
Bo Bichette had largely been hitting leadoff since Francisco Lindor was placed on the injured list 1 ½ weeks ago.
Juan Soto swings during the Mets’ May 4 game against the Rockies. AP Bichette slid to No. 2 with Soto’s elevation to leadoff.
Mendoza broached the subject with Soto on Sunday and was encouraged that Soto bought into the idea.
Mendoza began his pregame media session by remembering former Yankees radio voice John Sterling, who died at age 87.
Mendoza formed a relationship with Sterling during his years as a Yankees coach.
“When I got the job here, he was one of the first phone calls I received,” Mendoza said. “I created a very good relationship with him and he will be missed.”
A.J. Minter is expected to pitch back-to-back starting Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse to conclude his minor league rehab assignment.
Mendoza was unsure if the lefty reliever would rejoin the team in Arizona or wait until the Mets return home before being activated from the injured list.
Minter hasn’t pitched for the Mets since April of last season after undergoing lat surgery.
Mendoza indicated he selected Huascar Brazobán over Tobias Myers as Monday’s opener against the Rockies based on workload.
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Brazobán pitched one inning Saturday against the Angels.
Carl Edwards Jr. was outrighted to Syracuse and elected free agency rather than accept a minor league assignment.
