Mets drop struggling Pete Alonso below cleanup spot for first time in nearly four years

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The most notable aspect of a new-look Mets lineup was Pete Alonso dislodged from the cleanup spot.

The struggling slugger, ensconced typically at No. 4 and occasionally higher, was bumped down to fifth in the lineup for Monday’s makeup, one-game series at Busch Stadium against the Cardinals.

Alonso had not started a game below fourth in the order since Sept. 26, 2020, when he batted sixth.

But Alonso has not usually slipped like this, his OPS at .790 — it entered the season at .870 for his career — and entering play 2-for-17 in his past five games, which lowered his average to .241.

Against St. Louis righty Andre Pallante, Francisco Lindor occupied his usual leadoff spot but right fielder Tyrone Taylor surged to No. 2.

Brandon Nimmo was hitting third and J.D. Martinez fourth on a day Jose Iglesias got the nod over Mark Vientos at third base.

Alonso, in a contract year that has not gone particularly well, has especially struggled in key moments, with a .198 average when batting with runners in scoring position.