According to Tim Healey of Newsday, Mets infielder/outfielder, Jeff McNeil has been scratched from today’s lineup due to a “scrape” on his left wrist, which he suffered as a result of diving for a ball in Monday’s Grapefruit game.
McNeil is the fourth Met to appear on the injury list in the past week with Jed Lowrie‘s knee issue, Brandon Nimmo‘s shoulder soreness, and most recently Todd Frazier, who strained his oblique. Despite this news, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com noted that this ailment sounds very minor and should only keep him out a couple of days.
With injuries to both third basemen in Lowrie and Frazier, there has been speculation that the team could give McNeil more reps in the infield. Mets Manager, Mickey Callaway ultimately diffused this talk by saying the plan is to get him comfortable in the outfield, where they anticipate him playing regularly during the season. McNeil also commented on his position status by saying he’s getting around 80% outfield reps and 20% infield.
Mets minor league outfielder, Rymer Liriano will now be inserted into the lineup in right field, which will slide Rajai Davis over to left in place of McNeil, says Matt Ehalt of The Record.
Should this scrape become a lingering issue, it could threaten the club’s plan to develop McNeil in the outfield this spring. Luckily the initial expectation is that the soon to be 27-year-old will only miss a game or two, but we shall see.
