Jeff McNeil close to returning to action with New York Mets

New York Mets second baseman and outfielder Jeff McNeil could be very close to returning to action after his return to the team was confirmed this Sunday after a prolonged absence due to a broken wrist.

Exactly four weeks after he fractured his joint on September 6, McNeil appeared during the game that the Mets lost 7-6 to the Phillies in the Division Series, which put the teams on equal terms (1-1).

During his absence, the occupant of the intermediate took the opportunity to live the experience of becoming a father of twins, while he recovered from the illness.

Now, McNeil was seen at Citizens Bank Park and remained attentive to the instructions of Carlos Mendoza from the dugout, the same one who did not rule out his presence in case of qualifying for the National League Championship Series scheduled for starts next October 13.

Regarding his situation, McNeil spoke at a press conference about how he feels and how close he thinks he is to returning to action.

“I’m hopeful for anything,” McNeil explained about his future presence with the Mets. “(The wrist pain) feels good. I must follow the recommendations of the physical trainers and what this team needs. I want to be ready to play. I know I need to take other steps so I can be ready. So we will work on that, and I think it will be a matter of day by day. When it is my time, I will be ready.”

McNeil has worked all these days on running, hitting, throwing, among others, but he is expected to begin facing live pitches this week.

Should he return to the roster, McNeil would become a valuable piece at Carlos Mendoza’s disposal.

Before his injury, due to a hit by a ball, McNeil dominated the Mets’ second base, which has recently been taken over by Cuban José Iglesias, one who ended up being immovable in the lineup since last September 19.

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