Jeff McNeil was placed on injured reserve with a broken right wrist on September 8, two days after knocking a fastball out of that wrist in a moment that seemed to end what had been a tumultuous season for the team. Dishes‘infielder/flyer.
But when McNeil spoke to reporters after the injury, he believed there was a chance he could rejoin the team if they made a strong run in the playoffs. And of course, when the Mets released their 26-man roster for their NLCS game with the Los Angeles Dodgers, there was the name McNeil.
“A little over a month ago (I said) if I play again, that’s a good thing,” McNeil said with a smile Sunday. “So, happy to be back, happy to contribute to this NLCS.”
“He’s been a vital part of this team all year. Obviously, as he was down for about six weeks, we missed him,” the manager said Carlos Mendoza » said before the first match.
McNeil will be the first to admit that it’s been a tough season for the former National League batting champion, as he slashed just .238/.308/.384 with 12 homers and 44 RBIs. But he worked hard to get back on the roster, with a rehabilitation process that included two Arizona Fall League games.
And now McNeil has the chance to contribute to what is already an incredible run.
“I thought there was a good chance we would make the playoffs. We were playing well at that point,” McNeil said. “That’s probably what was the most frustrating, was getting injured and not being able to help the team and contribute to this great race. But just being back now means a lot. I wanted to play in the playoffs. It’s been tough to watch, but it’s a lot of fun at the same time to see how this team plays.
As for his role on the team, McNeil said it could change daily. With Jose Iglesias Seemingly stuck initially at second base, McNeil could see time in the outfield and will likely get some big opportunities as a left-handed hitter coming off the bench.
“I spoke to Mendy a while ago, he told me to be ready,” McNeil said. “It’s going to change day by day, be ready to come off the bench and face some big sticks. The Dodgers are heavy righties so I’m sure there will be some at-bats, but he just said to be ready and anything can happen.
McNeil being able to make the team is “a huge plus” for the Mets because it gives Mendoza another left-handed hitter with “bat-to-ball skills (that) are off the charts” and flexibility. it is used as a pinch. hitter.
“Offers versatility defensively, he’s a guy who can not only play the infield at second base, but also the outfield – right field, left field, if necessary,” the skipper said.
McNeil explained that he grew up as a Dodgers fan, growing up “two hours away in Santa Barbara.” But he’s been a Met his entire professional career, and he has a chance to help the only professional organization he’s ever known win a pennant and advance to the World Series.
“It means a lot,” McNeil said of his return. “Just being in this organization as long as I have and not getting too involved in the playoffs means a lot to play in such a big series here. So, just super happy.
