In a devastating blow to the New York Mets, Jeff McNeil suffered a fractured right wrist after being hit by a pitch during a recent game. The impact occurred during the fifth inning when McNeil was struck by a 74.3 mph curveball from Cincinnati’s Brandon Williamson. Despite initially attempting to tough it out and play second base in the sixth inning, McNeil soon realized the severity of the injury as his wrist swelled and he struggled to swing a bat in the cage.
A subsequent MRI on Saturday confirmed a small fracture, sidelining McNeil for the remainder of the regular season. The infielder expressed his frustration at the timing of the injury, acknowledging that he wanted to be out on the field with his teammates during such a critical point in the season. McNeil and manager Carlos Mendoza anticipate a recovery timeline of four-to-six weeks, potentially allowing McNeil to return if the Mets advance far in the postseason.
McNeil’s absence will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the Mets’ lineup. Despite a subpar season by his standards, McNeil was a key contributor to the team’s success, with a standout performance in 2022 where he led the major leagues with a .326 batting average. Mendoza praised McNeil for his resilience and determination throughout the season, highlighting the infielder’s improvement in the second half of the year after a slow start.
With McNeil headed to the injured list, the Mets are exploring their options for a replacement. Jose Iglesias, currently batting .312 in limited at-bats, is expected to fill in at second base in McNeil’s absence. Additionally, young prospect Luisangel Acuña is being considered for a call-up to the major league roster. Acuña, acquired in a trade with the Texas Rangers, has been impressing in the minor leagues with his versatility and speed on the basepaths.
The loss of Jeff McNeil will present a significant challenge for the Mets as they push towards a potential playoff berth. The team will need to rally together and find ways to compensate for McNeil’s absence both on the field and in the lineup. Only time will tell how this injury will impact the Mets’ postseason aspirations, but one thing is certain – McNeil’s presence will be sorely missed in the final stretch of the season.
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