Carson Benge keeps displaying what Mets like in spring games with tough decisions ahead

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.— What the Mets like about Carson Benge — his bat-to-ball ability, solid defense in multiple outfield positions, and overall athleticism— was on display again Saturday, as the young prospect got his second start of the spring in center field and added a hard-hit, opposite-field single in an 8-2 loss to the Astros at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.He’s looking to win a spot on the Opening Day roster and prior to the game, manager Carlos Mendoza said he’s hoping to have to make “some tough decisions because we’ve got a lot of guys playing well and healthy.”Benge is doing what he can to make a case for himself.“He continues to go out there, give good at-bats, play good defense, run the bases, [hit] left-on-left,’’ Mendoza said.

“He’s doing what he’s supposed to be doing on his end.”And his makeup has also impressed the manager.“He’s quiet,’’ Mendoza said.“He’s a baseball guy.

He doesn’t get too high or too low.I don’t think the moment is going to be too big for him, which is good for [him].

He goes about his business, plays baseball, goes home, comes back the next day [and] does it again.That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned.”Mets pitching depth took a blow when Justin Hagenman was placed on the 60-day injured list with a fractured rib Saturday.The right-hander suffered the injury during his most recent Grapefruit League outing on March 5, although Mendoza said the team wasn’t sure how, exactly, it occurred.“After his last outing, he came in and complained about soreness in that area,’’ Mendoza said.

“It continued to get worse, we decided to image it and it’s a fracture, unfortunately.”Mendoza called it “a pretty significant injury.He’s gonna be down for a while.

I don’t know the timetable, but he’ll miss some time.”Hagenman, 29, appe...