Jeff McNeil was placed on the injured list with a fractured right wrist on Sept. 8, two days after taking a fastball off that wrist in a moment that appeared to end what had been a tumultuous season for the Mets’ infielder/outfielder.
But when McNeil spoke to reporters after the injury, he believed there was a chance he could rejoin the team if they made a deep playoff run. And sure enough, when the Mets released their 26-man roster for their NLCS matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers, there was McNeil’s name.
“A little over a month ago [I said] if I was playing again, it’s a good thing,” McNeil said with a smile on Sunday. “So, happy to be back, happy to be contributing in this NLCS.”
“He’s been a huge part of this team the whole year. Obviously, with him being down the past six weeks or so, we missed him,” manager Carlos Mendoza said ahead of Game 1.
McNeil will be the first to admit that it’s been a down season for the former NL batting champ, as he slashed just .238/.308/.384 with 12 home runs and 44 RBI. But he’s worked hard to get back on the roster, with a rehab process that included a pair of Arizona Fall League Games.
And now, McNeil has a chance to contribute to what’s already been an incredible run.
“I thought there was a pretty good chance that we’d make the playoffs. We were playing well at the time,” McNeil said. “That’s what was probably the most frustrating part, was getting hurt and not being able to help the team and contribute to that great run. But just to be back right now means a lot. I’ve wanted to play in the playoffs. It’s been tough watching, but a lot of fun at the same time, seeing how this team’s been playing.”
As for his role on the team, McNeil said it could change on a daily basis. With Jose Iglesias seemingly locked in to the start at second base, McNeil could see time in the outfield, and will likely get a few big opportunities as a left-handed pinch-hitter coming off the bench.
“Talked to Mendy a little bit ago, he told me just to be ready,” McNeil said. “It’s going to change day to day, be ready to come off the bench and take some big at-bats. The Dodgers are right-handed heavy, so I’m sure there’s going to be some at-bats, but he just said to be ready and anything can happen.”
McNeil being able to make the roster is “a huge plus” for the Mets as he gives Mendoza another left-handed hitter with “bat-to-ball skills [that] are off the chart” and flexibility if he’s used as a pinch-hitter.
“Provides versatility defensively, this is a guy that not only can play on the infield at second base, but also in the outfield – right field, left field, if needed,” the skipper said.
McNeil explained that he grew up a Dodgers fan, having grown up “two hours down the road in Santa Barbara.” But he’s been a Met for his entire professional career, and how has a chance to help the only pro 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 for as long as I have and not getting too deep in the playoffs, it means a lot to play in such a big series here. So, just super happy.”
