JUPITER, Fla. — Jeff McNeil’s first Grapefruit League appearance could happen before the weekend is over.
According to manager Carlos Mendoza, the Mets second baseman will be considered for Sunday’s starting lineup depending on how he feels after the next two days of practice.
McNeil will work on his high velocity Friday in live batting practice for the first time since he stopped swinging early in camp due to biceps discomfort.
Over the past week, he’s been running base, playing defense and mostly tracking pitches, but the Mets have been careful with his swing activity.
Mendoza said if McNeil is determined not to be available for Sunday, the Mets could use Monday’s day off to give him extra rest and allow him to play in the next day’s Grapefruit League game. .
“This is a player who doesn’t need a lot of at-bats,” Mendoza said when asked about McNeil’s preparation for the March 28 opener.
Mendoza estimated that McNeil may only need 20 to 25 at-bats before he’s ready.
Edwin Diaz left the camp to join his wife, who is pregnant with their third child.
The right-handed pitcher threw 25 pitches in live batting practice before departing, his first action since striking out in his Grapefruit League debut on Monday, and is scheduled to return to camp this weekend.
Sean Manaea threw 75 pitches in a minor league game in the backfield of Roger Dean Stadium.
The left-handed pitcher said he was working on getting his pitches in order and didn’t find his changeup right away, but felt good overall.
If the Mets maintain this rotation schedule, Manaea would start in the third game of the season, joining Jose Quintana and Luis Severino. For now, all that’s official is Quintana’s day — he’s been named the team’s Opening Day starter.
In the first installment of the Spring Breakout, the Mets’ top prospects will face the Nationals in a game at Clover Park on Friday at 3:10 p.m., televised by SNY.
Drew Gilbert, Luisangel Acuña, Jett Williams, Blade Tidwell and Brandon Sproat are among the Mets’ players scheduled to play.
