Mets OF escaped after crashing into the wall

Jeff McNeil scared his teammates but avoided a worse result.

The Mets utilityman was diagnosed with a bone contusion in his left knee after being removed from the field on a trolley at the end of Thursday’s first inning. McNeil had crashed into the left field fence after robbing Asdrubal Cabrera of two RBIs with a lunge hold.

The knee X-rays were negative and McNeil, with the bruise, will be evaluated daily, according to manager Luis Rojas.

“[McNeil] he’s a fearless competitor, “Dominic Smith said after the Mets beat the Nationals 8-2 at Citi Field.” I love the way he plays and it makes us want to play more and that kind of energy he brings is contagious and makes us want to play more for each other “.

Billy Hamilton took McNeil’s serve in the first inning and stayed in the game as a center-back, with Brandon Nimmo sliding left. Rojas indicated that it is possible that he will remain with that lineup until McNeil returns.

For three weeks of the season, Andres Gimenez was among the top players in the Mets, but that doesn’t mean he’ll stay in lineup.

With Amed Rosario absent for the third straight day due to stomach pain and Robinson Cano on the list of injured with a left groin problem, finding time for Gimenez was easy for Rojas. While Cano and Rosario are close to returning, there may be tough choices, including putting Gimenez on the bench.

“Rosario is our shortstop,” said Rojas.

Cano (left groin) is eligible for removal from IL on Friday – he was supposed to travel to Philadelphia with the club – and is listed to receive time at DH and second base. That would mean a shared role for 21-year-old Gimenez, who stood out in defense and held his own in the pot. Cano led the Mets in hitting with a .412 batting average before going to IL.

And the Mets are not ready to bench Rosario for Gimenez.

“[Rosario] He has been our shortstop from day one, “said Rojas.” We are comfortable with him, he can play games and he is our shortstop. “

Nimmo doubled up and walked twice, extending his winning streak by 34 games, dating back to last season. The streak is the third longest in the history of the Mets.