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Mets’ Carlos Mendoza Makes Controversial Jeff McNeil Move Before Cubs Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated May 9, 2025 5:46 PM ET

The New York Mets are 24-14, but are exactly .500 in their last 10 games. Their upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs will give them a chance to reclaim the top record in baseball, as they trail the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers by one game.

Jeff McNeil getting hot would help that mission. The former batting champion is slashing just .229/.282/.429 with one homer and five RBI across 10 games thus far. He spent the first few weeks of the season rehabbing an oblique injury.

McNeil plays second base and outfield, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza didn't deploy him in either spot in Friday's lineup, via the team's social media.

McNeil will bat eighth as the designated hitter. Luisangel Acuña will man second, while Brandon Nimmo, Tyrone Taylor, and Juan Soto will play left, center, and right field, respectively.

Brett Baty, who McNeil replaced on the roster when he returned, will play third.

Homestand starts tonight. #LGM pic.twitter.com/W4vB9rkL9R
— New York Mets (@Mets) May 9, 2025

Mark Vientos, who is primarily a third baseman but occasionally is a designated hitter, is out of the lineup for the second straight game. Mendoza could have fit both he and McNeil into the order because of the latter's versatility, but chose not to.

Vientos is slashing .220/.301/.370 with four homers and 15 RBI in 34 games this season, while Acuña is slashing .295/.357/.364 with five RBI in 32 contests. Additionally, Baty is slashing .190/.230/.328 with one homer and four RBI in 20 games.

After its three-game set with Chicago, New York will host the Pittsburgh Pirates in another three-game series starting Monday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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