The New York Mets have been experimenting with Brett Baty at second base, which could potentially indicate a shift in Jeff McNeil’s role within the organization. McNeil has been benched for the last three games, all against left-handed starters, and it is possible that he will face a similar fate in the upcoming game against the Phillies. However, manager Carlos Mendoza remains confident in McNeil’s abilities and believes that he will bounce back soon.
In the absence of McNeil, Jose Iglesias has stepped up as the starting second baseman. He has provided a much-needed boost to the team with his right-handed bat and has performed well in the last three games. Overall, Iglesias has an impressive .865 OPS in five games.
On the other hand, McNeil has been struggling at the plate recently. His last plate appearance came in Sunday’s loss to the Diamondbacks, and he has been unable to find his rhythm. His slash line currently stands at .227/.296/.320 with three home runs and 14 RBIs.
Meanwhile, Baty has been making strides in Triple-A Syracuse. After being displaced at third base by Mark Vientos, he has appeared in two games for Syracuse and hit two home runs. His performance caught the attention of Mets officials, who decided to bring him back to the team for the London Series. Baty expressed his excitement for the opportunity and emphasized his love for defensive versatility, as he has played various positions in high school.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding McNeil’s role and Baty’s emergence at second base, both players remain committed to their respective roles. McNeil continues to work hard and prepare for when his name is called, while Baty remains open to any opportunity that comes his way. The Mets will continue to evaluate their options and make decisions based on what is best for the team.
