New York Mets make unusual request to Major League Baseball regarding infielder

The New York Mets have made an unusual request to Major League Baseball regarding infielder Jeff McNeil.

Per Anthony Dicomo of MLB.com on social media:

The Mets are requesting that Major League Baseball allow Jeff McNeil to appear in Arizona Fall League games. That would give him the live pitching he needs to see before being activated.

The 32-year-old has not played since September 6 due to injury and the AFL would give him the chance to get some real batting in a rehab environment. Obviously the minor league season is over, so that’s not an option. The possibility for simulated games could exist, but it’s not really known at this point how realistic that is. Most pitchers not on the active roster are out.

McNeil, a seven-year veteran, is hitting .238 with 12 home runs and 44 RBI this year. He offers the Mets some versatility at second base, third base and in the outfield. McNeil, a former batting champion (2021), is a .289 career hitter. He hit .326 in that 2021 season and also hit a career-high 23 home runs in 2019. He is a two-time All-Star.

The Mets are currently locked in a 1-1 series with the Philadelphia Phillies. Game 3 will be played Tuesday afternoon in Philadelphia. Should the Mets win, they will face the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres in the National League Championship series.

The Mets will send left-hander Sean Manaea to the mound against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola on Tuesday. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:08 PM ET at Citi Field.

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