McNeil may see action on Sunday
JUPITER, Fla. — Jeff McNeil’s first appearance in the Grapefruit League could occur before the weekend concludes.
The Mets second baseman will be considered for Sunday’s starting lineup, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, depending on how he feels following workouts the next two days.
McNeil is scheduled Friday to face high velocity in live batting practice for the first time since he stopped swinging early in camp because of biceps discomfort.
Over the past week he’s been running bases, playing defense and largely tracking pitches, but the Mets have played it cautiously with his swinging activities.
If McNeil isn’t deemed ready for Sunday, the Mets could use Monday’s day off to give him extra rest before placing him in a Grapefruit League game the following day, according to Mendoza.
“This is a guy that isn’t going to need many at-bats,” Mendoza said, when asked about McNeil’s readiness for the March 28 opener.
Mendoza estimated McNeil could need just 20-25 at-bats to be ready.
Edwin Diaz left camp to join his wife, who is expecting the couple’s third child. The right-hander threw 25 pitches in a live batting practice session before departing — his first action since striking out the side in his Grapefruit League debut Monday — and is expected back in camp this weekend.
Sean Manaea threw 75 pitches in a minor league game on a back field at Roger Dean Stadium. The left-hander said he was working on sequencing his pitches and didn’t immediately find his changeup, but overall felt good. If the Mets remain on this schedule with the rotation, Manaea would pitch the third game of the season, behind Jose Quintana and Luis Severino. Only Quintana’s day is official at this point — he was named as the team’s Opening Day starter.
In the inaugural edition of Spring Breakout, top prospects from the Mets will face their Nationals counterparts in a 3:10 p.m. game at Clover Park on Friday that will be televised by SNY.
too much pressure on himself, which was an issue last season.
Nevertheless, with two weeks until the opener, the Mets were still dedicated to their overall philosophy for 2024 of making sure they learn about their youngsters while trying to contend. Thus, Baty and Vientos are earmarked to both make the team, with Baty as the primary third baseman and Vientos getting a large dose of DH at-bats.
Can Davis fit in that ecosystem?
The answer is yes, though it would guarantee D.J. Stewart begins the year in the minors, and Ji-Man Choi and Luke Voit would be able to opt out if not told they are on the Opening Day roster. The bench would then be Omar Narvaez as the backup catcher; Davis moving between third, first and DH; Joey Wendle as the backup infielder; and Tyrone Taylor as the fourth outfielder.
Without Davis, that last positional roster spot likely goes to Choi or Stewart to provide a lefty counterbalance to Vientos.
Davis is right-handed. But he also gives a third-base option in case Baty and Vientos are a flameout. Looking at the young players is the priority of this Mets season. But contending is priority 1A. And Davis would provide a better regular alternative than Wendle.
Davis hardly has a sterling reputation as a defender. But he was tied for eighth among third baseman in Outs Above Average in 2023 with two well-regarded fielders, Nolan Arenado and Jose Ramirez, just ahead of Chapman. It is an indicator that not every metric should go unchallenged. But it also suggests that Davis, who played the 15thmost innings at third last year (a career-high 915 2/₃), can man the position if Baty, in particular, does not rise after a discouraging rookie season.
If the Mets were 100 percent sold that Baty and/or Vientos could handle this position well, they would not be at least trying for Davis. He would, at best, be veteran depth and, at worst, a safety net if all goes to hell at the hot corner.
“He had a great year last year, and the prospect of having him return would be awesome,” Nimmo said. “I know him very well, and he’s a great guy and I think he could definitely help us out, but I don’t make those decisions.”
David Stearns, at the behest of Steve Cohen, does. And he is thinking about it.