Jeff McNeil rejoins Mets, hopes to be able to play if they make NLCS
Jeff McNeil of the Mets looks on after popping out to end the seventh inning against Atlanta at Citi Field on July 27. Credit: Jim McIsaac
PHILADELPHIA — With a healthy baby girl and a healthy right wrist, Jeff McNeil returned to the Mets on Sunday amped up and preparing for a potential return in the NL Championship Series, which begins next weekend.
He had been sidelined since getting hit in the wrist by a pitch on Sept. 6 and had been in California for a couple of weeks as he and his wife, Tatiana, prepared for the birth of their daughter, Serena, who arrived Friday.
So now he not only is back physically but already is deep into a baseball activities ramp-up. He did defensive drills, ran the bases and took batting practice before the Mets’ second Division Series game against the Phillies, a 7-6 loss.
“I know I’m definitely farther along than I think they planned for me,” McNeil said. “I’ve done everything. They wanted me to stay in the best baseball shape possible, which I did. I was working out every single day.”
A primary hurdle before the Mets can seriously consider adding him to the roster for the next round (if they get that far): facing live pitching. The Mets have a pair of relievers, Huascar Brazoban and Max Kranick, on standby on the taxi squad who can pitch to McNeil if the team wants; others can be brought to town too.
“I am one of those hitters where I feel like I don’t need a lot, at least timing-wise,” McNeil said. “I always feel pretty comfortable early in spring training as well. It’s tough this time of year to get everything you need, but it’s the playoffs. I just want to be ready to go.”
McNeil’s presence raises a natural question: How will the Mets fit him back into a lineup that has done well in his absence?
Fill-in second baseman Jose Iglesias has been critical to the Mets’ success, but they would be happy to have McNeil’s lefthanded bat back. That is especially true with DH/outfielder Jesse Winker hampered by a back injury.
“If we get a healthy player and we feel good enough that we can put him on the active roster, I think it’ll play itself out,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’s been a huge part of this team the whole year. He’s been in this organization for a long time. So I don’t think it’ll be that much of a challenge. It’ll be communication not only with McNeil but with some of the other players.”
Watching from afar, McNeil admitted to some fear of missing out while missing the Mets’ recent celebrations. But that they have kept the season alive while he has worked to come back is a positive development for all involved.
“It was wild watching that Atlanta game. I was going nuts in my house,” McNeil said. “The last series in Milwaukee, too, I remember I was sitting in a hospital bed with my wife, and Pete [Alonso] comes up in that situation. I go, maybe a home run right here.
“And I knew I was going to go crazy. And she goes, don’t go crazy. We’re in a hospital room; they’re going to think she had the baby right there. He hits the homer. Tried to contain myself. It was a pretty special moment, and super-happy for Pete.”
McNeil’s wife did not go into labor in that moment.
Pitching plans
Mets lefthander Sean Manaea will start Game 3 opposite the Phillies’ Aaron Nola.
Mendoza didn’t commit to lefthander Jose Quintana, but he is the obvious choice for Game 4 on Wednesday — on extra rest to boot.
Bader on Judaism
Harrison Bader, among the few Jewish players in the majors, has worn a Star of David on his belt all season. He tends to avoid talking about it publicly but said Sunday that the past year has afforded him a different perspective.
“Regardless of whatever might be going on as it relates to Israel and Jewish families and everybody involved in the situation [war in the Middle East], I mean, it’s just important to just be grateful for every single day as it does come, regardless of your religious beliefs or anything off the field. I’m just thankful for the opportunity,” Bader said.
“I’ve definitely welcomed a lot more love and gratitude into my life as a result of just listening to countless stories and experiences. That goes for both sides involved here. I really do want to keep it just related to baseball, but again, I will just say I think it’s important to just be grateful for every opportunity.”
Tim Healey is the Mets beat writer for Newsday. Born on Long Island and raised in Connecticut, Tim has previously worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Boston Globe and MLB.com. He is also the author of “Hometown Hardball,” a book about minor league baseball in the northeast.
