JUPITER, Fla. — Jeff McNeil’s first appearance in the Grapefruit League could occur before the weekend concludes.
The Mets second baseman will be considered for Sunday’s starting lineup, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, depending on how he feels following workouts the next two days.
McNeil is scheduled Friday to face high velocity in live batting practice for the first time since he stopped swinging early in camp because of biceps discomfort.
Over the past week he’s been running bases, playing defense and largely tracking pitches, but the Mets have played it cautiously with his swinging activities.
If McNeil isn’t deemed ready for Sunday, the Mets could use Monday’s day off to give him extra rest before placing him in a Grapefruit League game the following day, according to Mendoza.
“This is a guy that isn’t going to need many at-bats,” Mendoza said, when asked about McNeil’s readiness for the March 28 opener.
Mendoza estimated McNeil could need just 20-25 at-bats to be ready.
Edwin Diaz left camp to join his wife, who is expecting the couple’s third child.
The right-hander threw 25 pitches in a live batting practice session before departing — his first action since striking out the side in his Grapefruit League debut Monday — and is expected back in camp this weekend.
Sean Manaea threw 75 pitches in a minor league game on a back field at Roger Dean Stadium.
The left-hander said he was working on sequencing his pitches and didn’t immediately find his changeup, but overall felt good.
If the Mets remain on this schedule with the rotation, Manaea would pitch the third game of the season, behind Jose Quintana and Luis Severino. Only Quintana’s day is official at this point — he was named as the team’s Opening Day starter.
In the inaugural edition of Spring Breakout, top prospects from the Mets will face their Nationals counterparts in a 3:10 p.m. game at Clover Park on Friday that will be televised by SNY.
Drew Gilbert, Luisangel Acuña, Jett Williams, Blade Tidwell and Brandon Sproat are among the Mets prospects scheduled to participate.