New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Saturday that Jeff McNeil will land on the injured list and miss the rest of the season due to a right wrist fracture. McNeil was hit by a pitch during Friday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. Though he initially remained in the game, Harrison Bader pinch-hit for him during his next at-bat.
Carlos Mendoza announces that Jeff McNeil has a wrist fracture and his season is likely over: pic.twitter.com/YybfJGgfiA
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 7, 2024
During the game, the Mets described McNeil’s injury as a right wrist contusion and announced he would undergo more imaging on Saturday. The additional tests revealed a fracture that evidently will cause him to miss four to six weeks. While that timeline ensures that McNeil will finish the season on the injured list, he should have a normal offseason and be ready for next spring.
#Mets Jeff McNeil was hit by a pitch last night. He was wearing a pad and hit by a 74 mph of speed pitch. He even laughed it off at the end.
Ends up with a fractured wrist. Terrible luck. pic.twitter.com/EH4rHlgCau
— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) September 7, 2024
Mets Place Jeff McNeil On Injured List With Season Ending Wrist Fracture
Though McNeil still isn’t back to his batting-title ways, his second-half resurgence represents a key aspect to New York’s Wild Card push. In 40 games in the second half, the 32-year-old has hit .289/.376/.547 (157 wRC+) with seven homers and 12 doubles. Comparatively, the two-time All-Star hit just five home runs and 14 doubles with a 71 wRC+ in 85 games in the first half.
That said, McNeil’s value stems from more than his improved offense. He has provided the team with solid defense at second base and each corner outfield position. Defensive metrics grade his glove at league average at all three spots. But his versatility allows Mendoza to play useful pieces like Bader, Jose Iglesias, and Tyrone Taylor.
Jeff McNeil was turning double plays with a broken wrist against the fastest man in the sport, trying to gut it out, and we have other teams in our own division no less bitching and moaning about every little paper cut they get https://t.co/LFGZGeATeE
— Mike (@mike5_5_5) September 7, 2024
None of these three are stars, but each has contributed greatly with the bat and/or glove at various moments this season. New York currently sits in a playoff spot because of depth pieces like them contributing. With McNeil finishing the season on the injured list, each will likely see increased playing time, especially against right-handed pitching.
Time For A Top Prospect?
That said, McNeil’s absence will have fans clamoring for top prospect Luisangel Acuña. Like McNeil, Acuña is an athletic player who can play all over the diamond. Plus, he features more speed than McNeil, and that could help if the team makes the postseason.
However, the Mets chose to call up mid-season veteran acquisition Pablo Reyes when rosters expanded in September. Though New York reportedly considered Acuña, the organization opted for the veteran while the top prospect continues to play every day at Triple-A.
Unfortunately for the Mets, Luisangel Acuña is slashing .263/.305/.365 this year, which is a wRC+ of 72 in the International League. Would much rather them call up a better bat, like a Luke Ritter https://t.co/c0xqpZWLM0
— ramsey (@jwr020819) September 7, 2024
The Mets have not yet formally placed McNeil on the injured list or announced his roster replacement. Acuña represents a possibility, but his struggles in the minors this season could prevent that.
Main Photo Credits: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
