Minneapolis – The next act in Jeff McNeill’s rehabilitation involves trying another position.
He is scheduled to play center field for Low A. St. Lucy on Thursday as the Mets’ second baseman continues towards a return from an oblique strain.
McNeill played in three center fields during his major league career, two of which began in 2023.
The Mets have the opportunity to play time in the middle, Jose Ciri, who is sidelined with his broken left tibia.
Siri is scheduled to be on the injured list on Thursday.
“This is nothing new [McNeil]Manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets faced twins on the target field. “But we wanted to take advantage of this opportunity in the minor leagues.
Mendoza said the club also has Tyron Taylor and Louis San Geracuna as center field options, but he wants to increase the flexibility of McNeill’s position.
McNeill’s rehabilitation could move to Triple A Syracuse this weekend, but Mendoza said the weather will be a critical factor.
The veteran got nervous at his diagonal early in his spring training and has been rehabilitating ever since.
Francisco Alvarez was due to return to action with Double A Binghamton the day after he left the game after hitting the left-hand pitch and catching the next inning.
Alvarez is undergoing surgery and rehabilitation using the same hands.
“A little scary, he came out of the game, but he’s fine,” Mendoza said.
