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Injury Recovery Path Leads to Arizona for Mets Mainstay

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According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, the New York Mets have requested permission from Major League Baseball to send Jeff McNeil to the Arizona Fall League for rehab games.

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Facing live pitching is the last step in McNeil’s recovery, and the AFL provides an ideal opportunity. This stint would position him for potential postseason action. McNeil has been sidelined since early September with a fractured right wrist. Barring setbacks, McNeil appears on track to return for the National League Championship Series, assuming the Mets advance.

Road to Recovery Takes Jeff McNeil to AFL

If the Mets advance to the NLCS, McNeil’s chances of being added to the roster are considerable. While not a certainty, McNeil’s return is highly plausible, contingent upon his successful recovery and live pitching appearances over the next five days. Should McNeil be added, Luisangel Acuña would likely be the roster casualty. Acuña has seen minimal playing time, and McNeil’s presence would further limit those opportunities. DiComo echoed this sentiment in a recent Reddit AMA, suggesting Acuña’s already limited role would be effectively eliminated by McNeil’s return.

McNeil’s veteran presence and versatility would bolster the Mets lineup, making a valuable asset for the NLCS. While no guarantee, McNeil’s progress suggests a strong possibility of his inclusion, which could at Acuña’s expense.

Manager Carlos Mendoza will face an intriguing decision on how to utilize the versatile infielder/outfielder.

Before his injury, McNeil was entrenched as the starting second baseman, with Jose Iglesias serving as a bench option. However, McNeil’s ability to play corner outfield positions adds a new layer of flexibility to the Mets’ lineup.
Mendoza can now consider various alignments, potentially using McNeil to spell starters, provide late-game defensive upgrades, or even create favorable matchups. McNeil’s versatility could prove pivotal in the postseason’s high-pressure environment.
“I’m hoping for anything,” McNeil said to SNY. “[The wrist is] feeling good. I’m gnna go off of the advice of the training staff and what this team needs to I want to be ready to play and I know there’s a few more steps that I need to take care of in order to be ready so we’ll work on that and like I said, it’s gonna be a day-to-day thing and when my time is called, I’ll be ready.”
Main Photo: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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