Mets' All-Star Cleared To Take Next Step Towards Return From Injury

This is a good sign for the New York Mets, who are waiting on their All-Star infielder to return from injury.

On Thursday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that Jeff McNeil will begin swinging a bat again on Saturday.

Carlos Mendoza says that Jeff McNeil will start swinging a bat on Saturday: pic.twitter.com/aQIF9mmSIa
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 7, 2024

McNeil is dealing with a biceps issue that has sidelined him for nearly a week. However, the Mets have remained optimistic that it is nothing serious, and did not send him for imaging.

According to Mendoza, McNeil had "another good day" on Thursday and is "not feeling anything, but we want to make sure we take care of this."

McNeil will also play in a minor league game on Friday, but will only get infield work in, as well as a simulation of up-downs.

The Mets are hoping for a bounce-back campaign from McNeil, who followed up a batting title season in 2022 with a dud performance last year, where he slashed just .270/.333/.378 with a .711 OPS, 10 home runs and 55 RBIs in 156 games.

McNeil also had a disappointing 2021 season, which led to his name being brought up in trade rumors prior to 2022.

After signing a four-year, $50 million contract extension last year, McNeil is under team control through 2026. The 31-year-old also has a club option in 2027 as well. He is expected to be the Mets' starting second baseman in 2024, but he can play the outfield, too.

Should McNeil be able to produce more towards his career norms this season, it will be a major boost for a Mets lineup that will feature the same faces as last year, minus center fielder Harrison Bader.

Fellow injured infielder Joey Wendle, who has been dealing with shoulder soreness, will make his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday. The plan is for Wendle to play 4-5 innings at second base. Wendle is expected to be the Mets' main backup/utility infielder this season.