Jeff McNeil shut down with low-grade oblique strain

McNeil will be idle for 7-10 days and likely begin the season on the injured list

The Mets were dealt another injury blow on Thursday morning when manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Jeff McNeil has suffered a low-grade oblique strain, and will likely begin the season on the injured list.

Mendoza said McNeil will be shutdown for at least 7-10 days with hopes of resuming baseball activities at that time. He estimated McNeil could be out 3-4 weeks.

McNeil’s latest injury comes at an inopportune time as he has continued to show signs of a rebound. He went 7-for-29 with four doubles during Grapefruit League play before injuring his oblique. He missed much of the second half last season due to a broken bone in his hand and was only able to contribute a small amount during the playoffs in October in a part-time role.

His absence will likely push one of Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty or Donovan Walton into a prominent role, at least at the start of the season. One of the three is likely to be the opening day second baseman, with two others competing for the final spot on the roster.

For McNeil, his role on the club could now be determined by the performance of these candidates in the near-term once the season begins.

The Mets do not appear poised to fill this role with an external acquisition, given the length of time McNeil is expected to be out.

The Mets did receive some good news this week with Sean Manaea, who underwent a follow-up MRI on his oblique strain and received a clean bill of health. He has begun his throwing progression and is now on-track to return to the rotation by mid or late April.