2-time All-Star could return for Mets in NLCS
Mar 26, 2022; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; The New York Mets logo stands in center field before the game against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
The good news keeps on coming for the New York Mets.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed to reporters this week that injured utilityman Jeff McNeil has “a really good chance” of returning for the team’s upcoming NLCS series (against either the San Diego Padres or LA Dodgers). Mendoza noted that the Mets successfully petitioned MLB to allow McNeil to play in the Arizona Fall League on Friday and Saturday and that McNeil will be included on the NLCS roster if he comes out of both games without issue, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
McNeil, a two-time All-Star and former NL batting champion with the Mets, has been out since Sept. 6 after fracturing his right wrist on a hit-by-pitch. While McNeil’s numbers were down overall this season (.238 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in 129 regular season games), the lefty hitter offers plenty of versatility with his ability to play second base, third base, or the outfield.
The 32-year-old career-long Met McNeil is also known for his refusal to back down from opponents. That could prove useful for the Mets as they look to capture their first NL pennant since 2015.
