The New York Mets have suffered a significant blow as they lose their second baseman, Jeff McNeil, for the rest of the season due to a wrist injury. McNeil’s injury was confirmed by Manager Carlos Mendoza on Saturday, following a concerning incident in Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Injury Details and Impact
The injury transpired in the fourth inning when McNeil was struck by a 74 mph breaking ball. Despite the immediate pain, McNeil displayed commendable resilience, staying in the game until the seventh inning before being removed. An MRI conducted on Saturday morning revealed the severity of the injury — a broken wrist.
"Not good. MRI this morning showed a wrist fracture, so he is likely done for the year," Mendoza lamented.
Following this development, the Mets officially placed McNeil on the Injured List (IL) on Sunday. To mitigate the impact of McNeil's absence, the team has called up outfielder D.J. Stewart from Triple-A. In addition, Jose Iglesias is expected to step in as the full-time second baseman during McNeil's recovery.
Jeff McNeil’s Season Performance
Jeff McNeil was enjoying a season of notable highs and lows. His overall season batting line stands at .238/.307/.384. However, since the All-Star break, McNeil has significantly upped his game, hitting .289/.376/.547 and managing to hit seven of his twelve home runs.
Reflecting on his post All-Star break success, McNeil shared, "I stopped trying to guide the ball for base hits, and am now just focusing on hard contact."
Mets' Current Standing and Upcoming Challenges
Despite this setback, the New York Mets are still maintaining a firm position within the National League wild-card race. They currently hold the third wild-card spot, with a crucial three-game series against the Atlanta Braves on the horizon, scheduled from September 24-26 at Truist Park.
The season series between the Mets and the Braves is tightly contested, standing at a 5-5 tie. The Mets hold a narrow lead, with the Braves just one game behind. This upcoming series is pivotal for both teams as they vie for a favorable position in the playoffs.
In a bid to bolster their lineup in McNeil's absence, the Mets will be looking to D.J. Stewart and Jose Iglesias to step up. Stewart’s call-up from Triple-A is expected to fill the void in the outfield, while Iglesias brings experience and skill to second base.
The team will need to rally around these changes and find a way to sustain their momentum in what promises to be a fierce competition for playoff spots. As the Mets prepare to face their long-time rivals, the Braves, the stakes couldn't be higher.
While Jeff McNeil’s presence both on and off the field will undoubtedly be missed, the Mets have demonstrated resilience throughout the season. Their eyes are firmly set on the prize as they navigate the challenges ahead, hoping to secure their place in the postseason.