Why McNeil is Out of New York Mets' Lineup on Saturday

Find out why All-Star and batting champion Jeff McNeil is out the New York Mets' lineup on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Not good news for the reeling New York Mets.

All-Star and batting champion Jeff McNeil is out of Saturday's lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies with a sore left wrist, as manager Buck Showalter told reporters.

Buck Showalter says Jeff McNeil has a sore wrist and will test it pregame to see if he's available today: pic.twitter.com/5OtdEIROoE

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 24, 2023

Showalter added that McNeil suffered the injury during Friday night's 5-1 loss, and that he could potentially be available off the bench today, but that is to be determined.

Coming off a season, in which he won the batting title and was an All-Star for the second time in his career, McNeil has struggled in 2023. In 75 games, he is slashing just .264/.344/.335 with a .679 OPS, three home runs and 21 RBIs. Last season, McNeil hit .326/.382/.454 with a .836 OPS, nine home runs and 62 RBIs.

McNeil can be chalked up as one of the many underperforming veterans on the Mets' roster this season. This has led to a disappointing start for a team with high expectations.that has the highest payroll of all-time at $377 million.

The Mets are a season-worst seven games under .500 at 34-41 on the year. They're 14 games back of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East, closer to last place in the division than first place. As for the Wild Card, the Mets are eight games back of the Miami Marlins and separated by five teams.