Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

With Todd Frazier‘s rehab assignment moving him to Syracuse today according to Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports, the veteran infielder is moving closer to his return from an oblique injury. The last day he can spend on his rehab assignment is Tuesday.

While Mickey Callaway has already diffused the notion of Frazier becoming the full time starter at third base upon his return, his activation will certainly affect the playing time of several players.

One individual, who this particularly concerns is arguably the Mets best hitter in Jeff McNeil. McNeil is among the league leaders in offensive production with his ridiculous .424/.485/.542 slash line to go along with an impressive wRC+ of 181. His batting average is tied for third best in the league, he’s fourth in on base percentage, and sixth in total hits with 25.

In 15 starts this season, McNeil has five at third, one at second, and nine in left field. Despite having only five starts at the hot corner, he has played there in parts of 12 of the first 18 games, where he has been solid defensively with 2 defensive runs saved.

Although Callaway says Frazier will split time with J.D. Davis and McNeil at third, it can be assumed that McNeil will now officially become the full-time starter in left. This will without a doubt diminish the playing time of Juan Lagares and Keon Broxton, which now poses the question of whether they should be carrying five outfielders.

With Lagares and Broxton regularly manning the bench, this could see a starting Mets outfield from left to right that includes McNeil, Brandon Nimmo in center, and Michael Conforto in right.

With the return of Frazier, Callaway will need to figure out a way to keep his best hitters in the lineup while balancing playing time, as well. Once Jed Lowrie makes his return this will create an even bigger log jam at third and on the Mets roster, which is already crowded as is.

One thing is for certain, McNeil is the most valuable offensive hitter in the Mets lineup right now and in no way can he lose playing time or at-bats, regardless of who returns. This tremendous tear he is currently on at the plate is something that needs to remain a constant throughout this season if the Mets wish to compete for an already strong NL East division.