Jeff McNeil, a veteran utilityman for the New York Mets, was given the opportunity to start in Friday’s Game 5 of the NLCS against the Dodgers. He was placed in the starting lineup as the second baseman, batting eighth. This decision was made as the Mets faced being within one loss of elimination from the postseason. McNeil had not started a game since September 6 when he fractured his right wrist after being hit by a pitch. Despite this injury, he returned to the Mets for the NLCS and had received three at-bats as a pinch-hitter in the first four games of the series, going 0-for-3.
Jose Iglesias, who had been starting at second base for the Mets throughout the postseason, was on the bench for Game 5. He had been struggling with a .227/.261/.227 slash line in 11 postseason games after having a strong regular season. This move to give McNeil a starting role reflected the Mets’ desire to change things up and potentially spark some offense as they faced a crucial game in the series. It was a chance for McNeil to contribute in a more significant way after his return from injury.
The Mets were in a difficult position in Game 5, needing a win to stay alive in the postseason. By giving McNeil a starting role and benching Iglesias, the team was hoping for a different dynamic on the field to help turn things around. McNeil’s ability to play multiple positions and his experience as a veteran player made him a valuable asset in this situation. Despite not having started a game in over a month, McNeil was prepared to step up to the challenge and make an impact in the crucial game against the Dodgers.
The decision to start McNeil paid off for the Mets as they went on to win Game 5 against the Dodgers, extending their season and keeping their hopes of advancing in the postseason alive. McNeil’s presence in the lineup provided a much-needed spark for the team, contributing on both offense and defense as they secured the win. His performance in the game demonstrated the value of having experienced players who can step up in pressure situations and deliver key plays to help the team succeed.
Moving forward, the Mets will look to continue relying on McNeil’s contributions as they navigate through the remainder of the postseason. His ability to play multiple positions and provide a consistent presence in the lineup will be crucial as the team takes on tough opponents in their quest for a championship. McNeil’s performance in Game 5 was a reminder of his talent and versatility, and the Mets will be counting on him to continue making an impact as they fight for success in the postseason. With McNeil in a starting role, the Mets have added depth and flexibility to their lineup, giving them a stronger chance of achieving their postseason goals.
