Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports that despite Todd Frazier and Jed Lowrie‘s injuries, utility man Jeff McNeil will continue to take reps in the outfield because they want him to be comfortable in the position. If the injuries linger, that can change, but for now, expect McNeil to stay put.
“We know we can move him back to the infield and there is plenty of time to get him more reps at third,” Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen told Mike Puma of the New York Post.
McNeil, 26, burst onto the scene last season after hitting .327/.402/.626 across 57 games in Binghamton (Double-A) and then .368/.427/.600 across 31 games in Las Vegas (Triple-A). He had always hit for average in the minors, but his new-found power raised eyebrows as after hitting just nine home runs from 2013-2017, he hit 14 in Binghamton and five in Las Vegas.
After being called up to the Bigs, he just kept hitting, slashing .329/.381/.471 with three home runs, six triples, and 11 doubles in 63 games with a 137 wRC+. He spent time playing both second and third base, but spent most of his time at second where he had -2 DRS and a 0.4 UZR in 460.2 innings.
He had played outfield in college, but has been an infielder since becoming a professional. He has had good reviews in the outfield so far, but with the injuries to Frazier and Lowrie, it is comforting to know McNeil can play either position while providing excellent offense as well.
