WASHINGTON — Just call him center field McNeil.
The Mets used Jeff McNeil in center field Saturday against the Washington Nationals, marking the fourth time the second baseman has played at that spot in the major leagues (three starts). Often used as an outfielder, McNeil typically plays in one of the corner spots, but he has long been asking the Mets for an opportunity to play center.
With Jose Siri injured and Tyrone Taylor getting a day off, McNeil finally got that opportunity.
The versatile 33-year-old played some center field in college at Long Beach State, and got into some games there in the minor leagues. Long Beach State’s home ballpark, Blair Field, is regarded as a tough place for outfielders to play, due to the thick marine layer that can make it difficult for outfielders to see pop-ups. But center field is even more of a challenge. It’s manse with deep dimensions, and back when McNeil was suiting up for the Dirtbags, the outfield wall was made of cinderblocks (the school has since brought in the fences and added padding).
Some of the same middle infield fundamentals McNeill possesses will translate to center field.
“There’s a lot that you have to see,” said manager Carlos Mendoza, a former infielder. “Whether it’s pitch movement, reading swings when a guy’s barrel is up front or trying to go the other way, the first step. I think there’s a little bit of difference.”
The biggest difference is when it comes to tracking fly balls.
“When you talk about routes in the infield, it’s more like crossover, but when you’re in the outfield, you have to clear your hips,” Mendoza said. “But I think in this case, in center field, and with him being so used to playing in the middle of the diamond it might help.”
PANIC-FREE KRANICK
Left-hander A.J. Minter exited Saturday’s game with tightness in his triceps. While the Mets don’t yet know the extent of the injury, they’re expecting him to have to spend time on the injured list.
“When you’ve got a pitcher coming out of the game because of an arm, even if we get good news, you’ve still got to be careful,” Mendoza said. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself. We’ve got to wait and see what we’re dealing with here.”
Minter will have an MRI done Sunday. While he’s relieved that it’s not an elbow injury, there is some frustration since he only recently returned to action. Last August, Minter had season-ending hip surgery while in the final year of his contract with the Atlanta Braves. Initially, he wasn’t sure if he would be able to start the season on time, but he ended up ahead of schedule this spring.
Through 11 innings (13 appearances), Minter has posted a 1.64 ERA with five walks and 14 strikeouts.
Danny Young might end up as the only left-hander in the Mets’ bullpen if they choose to call up right-hander Dedniel Nuñez from Triple-A Syracuse.
Max Kranick was called in to take Minter’s place. It’s been an eventful start to the season for the lifelong Mets fan, who was converted to a reliever less than a year ago and had last pitched in the big leagues in 2022. In his first outing of the year, he came in to face a bases-loaded jam. In his last outing, he was called in to pitch for Edwin Diaz when the closer’s hip cramped up.
Until Wednesday, he had never had to warm up on the mound. Relievers replacing injured pitchers on the fly are allowed as many warmup pitches as they need. After coming in for Diaz on Wednesday, Kranick realized he should have thrown a few more than he did. Saturday, he took his time — too much time for the liking of the Washington crowd, who began to boo him.
Kranick finished the inning undeterred, pitching around a walk that was credited to Minter.
“He’s calm, poised and confident,” Mendoza said. “There’s a lot to like. The more he pitches in this role and the more he continues to get outs, he’s just going to continue to build his confidence.”
GOING STREAKING
The Mets starting rotation has yet to give up a home run, extending their streak to 14 games. The club record is 23 games, and was set in 1969.
Originally Published:
