Mets' Jeff McNeil returns from hamstring issue after missing five games

The New York Mets took two of three games at the division-rival Miami Marlins this past weekend before they were able to enjoy an off-day at the start of the week. 

That extra rest helped the Amazins get a key figure back in the lineup. 

Per ESPN and the Associated Press, second baseman and utility man Jeff McNeil will start for the Mets Tuesday night against the Houston Astros. McNeil hasn't played since he went down with tightness in his right hamstring during a 6-0 win over the Marlins back on June 20 and remained sidelined for five total games. 

McNeil had a "day-to-day" designation last week, and manager Buck Showalter told reporters he hoped to have the 30-year-old back over the weekend in Miami. However, the first-place Mets understandably were cautious regarding McNeil's long-term availability. 

"He got ahead of it, felt it a little bit, and we got him out of there," Showalter explained about the initial injury. 

As noted by ESPN stats, McNeil leads the Mets with a .327 average on the season, and he has also tallied four home runs and 33 RBI. He's batting eighth and playing second base on Tuesday.

The 47-27 Mets, meanwhile, began the day with a five-game lead over the second-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings.