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Jeff McNeil’s Possible Comeback: A Boost for the New York Mets

McNeil’s Injury and the Mets’ Playoff Run

In the early days of September, Jeff McNeil, the New York Mets’ key player, was placed on the injury list due to a broken right wrist. He expressed hope of returning to the field, but only if the Mets made a significant run in the 2024 playoffs. “My return to the field would be a positive sign,” McNeil stated at the time.

The Mets have since achieved that positive sign, progressing to the National League Championship Series. The question now is whether McNeil will join them, and the chances are promising.

McNeil’s Potential Return and the Mets’ Strategy

Carlos Mendoza, the manager of the Mets, revealed that McNeil is set to participate in the Arizona Fall League games taking place on Friday and Saturday. The strategy is for McNeil to have at least four plate appearances and play a minimum of seven innings in each game. If this goes well, McNeil will be in contention for a place on the Mets’ NLCS roster, which will be decided before Game 1 on Sunday. “Our objective is for him to play back-to-back games, get a feel of the game’s rhythm, endure the ups and downs, and play a full game,” Mendoza stated.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Milton on the Mets’ spring training facilities in Port St. Lucie, Florida, the team had to seek approval from Major League Baseball to allow McNeil to participate in the Arizona Fall League games.

The Implications of McNeil’s Injury and His Potential Return

Before his injury on September 7, caused by a pitch, McNeil was the Mets’ primary second baseman. He started 95 games at that position and also made 22 starts across left and right field. Despite being the NL batting champion in 2022, McNeil had a challenging season, recording career lows in batting average (.238) and on-base percentage (.308) with 12 home runs in 472 plate appearances.

With McNeil’s absence, Jose Iglesias became the Mets’ regular second baseman. Iglesias, an experienced player, has an impressive batting average of .348 and a .789 OPS in 29 games during the regular season and playoffs.

Without McNeil, the Mets included rookie Luisangel Acuña in their National League Division Series roster. If the Mets decide to maintain a balance of 13 pitchers and 13 position players in the NLCS, McNeil could potentially replace Acuña. However, Mendoza hinted that the team might consider carrying one less pitcher, thus accommodating both McNeil and Acuña on the roster.