New York Mets: Jeff McNeil exits Thursday’s game after crashing into the wall

The New York Mets keep receiving bad news on the injury front. Infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil had to be removed from Thursday afternoon’s game against the Washington Nationals after he collided with the wall while making a highly difficult catch in left field.

Here is the video:

He managed to hold onto the ball, but he paid the price. Word from the stadium is that the Mets’ batting machine may be dealing with a knee injury, although an official diagnosis is still not available at the time.

The New York Mets already lost rotation stalwarts Noah Syndergaard (Tommy John surgery) Marcus Stroman (opted out of the season because of concerns with COVID-19) and Michael Wacha (right shoulder inflammation,) not to mention infielder Robinson Cano.

Will the Mets’ depth get tested again?

McNeil himself dealt with a minor intercostal strain last week, one that cost him a couple of games. The Mets’ infielder (and outfielder) depth will be tested again, as it is unclear at this point if McNeil is going to miss time and how much.

The Mets’ star player tried to walk off the field under his own power but, according to Rotoworld, eventually sat back down on the ground and ultimately had to be carted off. He was seen grabbing his knee area at the moment of receiving medical assistance.

Billy Hamilton, who was signed by the Mets recently, replaced in the lineup in the bottom of the first frame.
McNeil was batting .293 with no homers or steals, but with five runs, seven RBI and a .720 OPS. He is an important piece in the Mets’ lineup and manager Luis Rojas would have a hard time replacing his expected production if that were the case.

The Mets are currently in fourth place in the National League East division with a 8-11 record, ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies but behind the Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins and the Nationals.