Mets’ Jeff McNeil Breaks Wrist, Out for Remainder of Regular Season

NEW YORK (AP) — Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets suffered a fractured right wrist after being hit by a pitch, leaving him sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.

In the fifth inning of the Mets’ 6-4, 10-inning victory over the Cincinnati Reds, McNeil was struck by a 74.3 mph curveball thrown by Brandon Williamson. The pitch hit a protective guard on his wrist. After playing second base in the sixth inning, the swelling in his wrist prevented him from taking swings in the batting cage. Consequently, Harrison Bader pinch-hit for him later in the game.

A subsequent MRI indicated a small fracture in his wrist, confirming the team’s concerns.

“I’m frustrated—this is not how you want to kind of end the season,” McNeil expressed. “I want to be out there with the guys.”

McNeil admitted to being taken aback by the injury. “It barely hit me. Didn’t even hurt, so I’m definitely shocked,” he commented on the incident that led to his current condition.

Both McNeil and manager Carlos Mendoza estimate that he will need about four to six weeks to recover. This timeline gives McNeil a glimmer of hope for a possible return during a deep postseason run if the Mets qualify. “I would say if you see me on the field again, that’s a really good thing,” he added.

In 2022, McNeil led the major leagues with an impressive .326 batting average. However, his performance dropped significantly this year, as he hit only .238 over 129 games. After a brief spell on the bench in June, his struggles continued, and he was at .216 during the All-Star break. Fortunately, in his last 41 games, McNeil found some form, finishing with a .289 average, contributing seven home runs and 20 RBIs.

“I’m proud of him because he fought and he never put his head down,” Mendoza said of McNeil. “It’s a big blow for us, and it’s been a tough year for him.”

With McNeil out, Jose Iglesias is expected to step in and take most of the starts at second base. Iglesias is having a solid season, batting .312 in 186 at-bats. The Mets will officially place McNeil on the injured list as they look to fill his roster spot. Mendoza indicated that Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., is among the candidates being considered.

Acuña, who the Mets acquired from Texas in a trade for Max Scherzer in July 2023, has been performing well in Triple-A Syracuse. He is hitting .263 with 38 stolen bases while playing a mix of positions, including second base, shortstop, and centerfield.

The Mets are now faced with the challenge of adjusting their lineup without McNeil as they aim for a strong finish to their season.