Mets' Jeff McNeil exits game vs. Marlins with apparent injury
The first-place New York Mets began the final day of spring by promoting popular first baseman and outfielder Dominic Smith back to the active roster from Triple-A Syracuse and by placing right-handed relief pitcher Seth Lugo on the paternity list ahead of Monday afternoon's home game against the Miami Marlins.
New York may have some bad news for fans by the time summer begins.
As noted by The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) and Scott Thompson and Ryan Morik of SNY, Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil exited Monday's game after he appeared to tweak something while taking home plate following an errant pitch in the bottom of the fourth inning. McNeil appeared visibly uncomfortable as he approached the dugout and immediately headed to the clubhouse.
Luis Guillorme replaced McNeil at second base in the top of the fifth.
Losing McNeil would be a bitter blow for a Mets side that started Monday holding a 5.5-game lead over the second-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings. As noted by ESPN stats, McNeil went into the Miami matchup leading the club with a .326 average, and he has also contributed four home runs and 33 RBI.
Following Monday's contest, the Mets will head on the road to take on the Houston Astros on Tuesday. McNeil's status for that game wasn't immediately known before the end of Monday's contest.
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