In an expected move, the New York Mets added second baseman/outfielder Jeff McNeil to their roster for the National League Championship Series.
After playing in Arizona Fall League games on Friday and Saturday, McNeil deemed himself ready to help the Mets try and advance to the World Series. McNeil landed on the injured list on Sept. 8 with a fractured wrist. After a brutal start to the season, he had heated up in the second half before the injury.
To make room for McNeil, the Mets left right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino off the roster. Ottavino had not pitched in the Mets’ previous two rounds. The Mets opted to keep Luisangel Acuña around after he appeared in six of the club’s seven postseason games as a late-inning defensive replacement. In going with one fewer pitcher, the Mets’ decision came down to Ottavino or Danny Young, and though Young hasn’t even warmed up during a game, he’s a lefty and the Mets are short on those.
McNeil’s versatility and left-handed bat present a few ways for Mets manager Carlos Mendoza to use him. He probably won’t supplant Jose Iglesias at second base immediately, considering the consistent contact and defense Iglesias provides. But Iglesias has cooled in the postseason with a .440 OPS through seven games, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see McNeil make a start, either.
McNeil’s presence should at least be a boon to the Mets’ bench. New York has become a bit heavy on right-handed bats. McNeil could fit in the corner outfield as well, giving Mendoza another option if he wants to sit Tyrone Taylor, Starling Marte or one of his designated hitters.
(Photo of Jeff McNeil: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
