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Mets' Jeff McNeil 'Likely' Out for Rest of MLB Season with Wrist Injury After MRI

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 7, 2024

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 16: Jeff McNeil #1 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on August 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
Adam Hunger/Getty Images

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced second baseman Jeff McNeil suffered a fracture to his wrist in Friday's 6-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

Mendoza said McNeil is "likely done for the year."

SNY @SNYtv

Carlos Mendoza announces that Jeff McNeil has a wrist fracture and his season is likely over: <a href="https://t.co/YybfJGgfiA">pic.twitter.com/YybfJGgfiA</a>

The two-time All-Star was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the fifth and eventually replaced in the order. Harrison Bader came on as a pinch hitter for McNeil in the sixth, while Jose Iglesias was brought in to occupy second base.

McNeil was plunked by a 74-mph curveball from Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson and his injury was initially classified as a right wrist contusion. Many fans will have assumed he'd make a quick return to the field if he missed any additional time at all.

Instead, the Mets once again have to close out the regular season without the 32-year-old, who partially tore his left UCL last September and was out for the final six games. He said he's "frustrated" to suffer the same fate two years in a row.

SNY @SNYtv

Jeff McNeil talks about the emotions of likely being done for the season:<br><br>"Frustrated. This is not how you want to end the season." <a href="https://t.co/9SBXVBmbr3">pic.twitter.com/9SBXVBmbr3</a>

McNeil finishes with a career-low .238 batting average and .308 on-base percentage, though his 12 homers were his second-most ever and only the third time in seven seasons he hit double figures.

McNeil's defensive versatility was a nice luxury for Mendoza as well. Per Baseball Reference, he made 110 starts at second and spent 28 games between right and left field.

The Mets remain tied at 77-64 with the Atlanta Braves for the final wild-card spot in the National League, and FanGraphs gives them a 48 percent of qualifying for the postseason. They'll now have to maintain their playoff push without McNeil.