New York Mets Suffer Yet Another Impact Injury as Former Batting Champ Goes Down

After already losing Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea, the Mets are now going to be without Jeff McNeil, at least through Opening Day.

New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) plays his position against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in 2025. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The New York Mets suffered yet another impact injury this week at spring training, as second baseman Jeff McNeil will now miss at least 3-4 weeks with an oblique issue.

Tim Healy of Newsday had the information on social media:

Jeff McNeil has a strained right oblique and will be out 3-4 weeks, Carlos Mendoza said. He’s shut down for 7-10 days, then the Mets will see how he feels to re-ramp up.

Jeff McNeil has a strained right oblique and will be out 3-4 weeks, Carlos Mendoza said. He’s shut down for 7-10 days, then the Mets will see how he feels to re-ramp up.

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) March 13, 2025

McNeil will now join Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas as Mets players who won't be healthy for Opening Day.

McNeil, soon to be 33, is projected to be the team's starter at second base alongside Francisco Lindor, Mark Vientos and Pete Alonso. A two-time All-Star, McNeil is a seven-year veteran with the Mets. He's a lifetime .289 hitter who won the National League batting title in 2022 (.326). However, his numbers have tailed off since then: He hit .270 in 2023 and just .238 in 2024.

That said, his versatility, ability to get on base and ability to make contact are all big things for a Mets team that is hoping to get to the World Series this year.

New York lost in the National League Championship Series last year, falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

McNeil has 68 homers lifetime and 34 stolen bases. He hit 12 homers a year ago, marking his third season of double-digit big flies.

The Mets will open up the season on March 27 against the Houston Astros. That first series will be played in Houston.

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