After Mets outfielder Jeff McNeil suffered a left knee injury while making a highlight-reel catch in Thursday’s 8-2 win over the Nationals, both an MRI and X-rays on his left knee came back negative. McNeil, who was diagnosed with a bone contusion, is day-to-day and is not currently expected to land on the injured list.
Racing back to corral an Asdrúbal Cabrera fly ball to the warning track with two men on base in the first inning, McNeil caught the ball fractions of a second before hitting the fence. He immediately crumpled to the dirt, where he remained as a member of the Mets’ training staff jogged out to meet him.
The full update on Jeff McNeil, so it's not all scattered in a bunch of different tweets:
He underwent an MRI and an x-ray during today's game. Both came back negative. McNeil is day-to-day, and doesn't appear to be an injured list candidate.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 13, 2020
Following a lengthy discussion, McNeil attempted to walk back to the dugout under his own power, but he was unable to do so and needed to be carted off the field. Billy Hamilton pinch-hit for him in the bottom of the inning.
The Mets’ batting leader last season, McNeil was hitting .293 in 17 games. He began the year as the Mets’ third baseman but subsequently switched positions with J.D. Davis.
Should McNeil miss significant time, both Davis and Dominic Smith are capable of playing left field. So is Brandon Nimmo, on days when Hamilton plays center.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].