The New York Mets have dealt with their fair share of ups and downs this season, but a recent injury to one of their key players has added a significant challenge to their playoff push. Second baseman Jeff McNeil is officially out for the rest of the season due to a wrist fracture confirmed by Manager Carlos Mendoza on Saturday.
Injury Details
McNeil’s injury occurred during Friday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. In the fourth inning, McNeil was struck by a 74 mph breaking ball. Despite the pain, he stayed in the game until he was eventually removed in the seventh inning. An MRI conducted on Saturday morning revealed the severity of the injury, forcing the Mets to place McNeil on the injured list (IL).
"Not good. MRI this morning showed a wrist fracture, so he is likely done for the year," Mendoza stated, reflecting the team’s disappointment over the loss of their second baseman.
Impact on McNeil and the Team
The injury is a tough blow for McNeil, who had been showing marked improvement in recent weeks. His season batting line before the injury stood at .238/.307/.384, but since the All-Star break, he had improved his performance to .289/.376/.547 and hit seven of his 12 home runs during that time. This uptick in form had been pivotal for the Mets as they made their push for the playoffs.
"I stopped trying to guide the ball for base hits, and am now just focusing on hard contact," McNeil had recently shared, indicating a shift in his approach at the plate that had been paying dividends.
Adapting to Challenges
In response to McNeil's absence, the team has promoted outfielder D.J. Stewart from Triple-A. Stewart will take McNeil's place on the roster, while veteran Jose Iglesias is expected to man second base for the rest of the season. Iglesias’s experience and steady presence at second will be crucial as the Mets look to navigate this challenging period.
Mets' Playoff Aspirations
The Mets find themselves in a tight race for the postseason. They currently hold the third National League wild-card spot, with the Atlanta Braves hot on their heels just one game behind. The significance of McNeil’s injury is amplified by the upcoming three-game series against the Braves at Truist Park from September 24-26, a series that could determine the playoff fate for both teams. Currently, the season series between the Mets and Braves is evenly split at 5-5, adding even more tension to these pivotal games.
Despite the setback, the Mets remain hopeful and determined. They have faced adversity before and managed to stay in the playoff hunt, and they’ll need to draw on that resilience again in McNeil's absence.
While McNeil’s season may be over, his contributions have been invaluable, and his teammates will undoubtedly be motivated to fight for him as they make their final push toward the postseason.