Jeff McNeil to Play in AFL on Friday and Saturday

Updated Post, 10/9/2024

Jeff McNeil will play in the Arizona Fall League for the Scottsdale Scorpions on Friday and Saturday the Mets say. Though, they’re still awaiting official approval from the commissioner’s office. The Friday game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET, and Saturday is at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The Mets want to see how McNeil responds to playing in back-to-back games before potentially adding him to a National League Championship Series roster if they get that far. The NLCS begins on Sunday, with the series starting in California regardless of what team wins between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. McNeil has been out since early September with a wrist fracture.

The Scottsdale Scorpions had their season opener on Tuesday night, with four Mets prospects getting in the action.

• SS Jett Williams 1-for-5, 2B, RBI, R
• RF Drew Gilbert 1-for-5, 2B, RBI, R
• 3B Jacob Reimer 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB
• RHP Saul García 1 IP, 0 R, 1 K

The Scorpions are back in action on Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. ET. You can watch all the games for free on MLB dot com.

Updated Post, 10/8/24

Jeff McNeil is ramping up to potentially return to game action with the Mets this year after suffering a wrist fracture in September. He was seen taking batting practice at Citi Field on Monday, and now it’s announced the team will petition to have him take part in Arizona Fall League games to face live pitching before a potential return. He’d join Jett Williams, Drew Gilbert and other Mets prospects in games.

Original Post, 10/7/24

Jeff McNeil was spotted on Monday taking batting practice at the Mets’ optional workout at Citi Field ahead of the NLDS Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies. He has been out since September 7 due to a wrist fracture, and while McNeil won’t join the roster during this round if the Mets can move on to the National League Championship Series, they may see McNeil back on the field.

As far as depth goes for the Mets, Jesse Winker is the only left-handed bat on the roster coming off the bench in the Philadelphia series. McNeil’s hypothetical return would provide the team with more versatility if they advance. Jose Iglesias continues to be a catalyst for the Mets not just on the field but in the clubhouse, and given Harrison Bader‘s recent struggles at the plate, McNeil may be a great option for the Mets’ outfield.

McNeil got off to a great start after the All-Star break, slashing .289/.376/.547/.923 in 41 games, completely redefining his season and possibly his future with the Mets. In a perfect world, the Mets defeat a tough Phillies team and get McNeil back in the lineup, but that vision will be put on hold as the Mets look to reclaim momentum on Tuesday night at Citi Field.

Spooky Season is Upon Us

While speaking to the press during Monday’s off day, manager Carlos Mendoza noted that RHP Kodai Senga has been progressing well after his start on Saturday. If all continues well, the ghost fork thrower would likely start a potential Game 5. Senga, who only appeared in one game for the Mets in 2024, exiting with a calf strain, pitched two innings in Game 1 in Philadelphia. A surprise start, he gave up a leadoff homer to Kyle Schwarber but breezed through the rest of his batters. He struck out three batters and tossed 31 pitches. If he were to start Game 5, the Mets would likely cap his innings again, possibly at three or four.

The post Jeff McNeil to Play in AFL on Friday and Saturday appeared first on Metsmerized Online.