LOS ANGELES — Jeff McNeil, who fractured his right wrist after being hit by a pitch a little more than five weeks ago, is back.
The New York Mets added McNeil to the roster for their National League Championship Series matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers before Game 1 on Sunday, also opting to keep Luisangel Acuña as a reserve infielder.
McNeil is coming off back-to-back games in the Arizona Fall League, one at second base and the other in right field. With José Iglesias locked in as the regular second baseman, McNeil could start in one of the corner outfield spots or be used as a left-handed hitter off the bench.
McNeil’s bat could be even more valuable given that the Dodgers will be without a key left-handed reliever in Alex Vesia, who suffered an intercostal injury in Game 5 of the NL Division Series. The Dodgers replaced Vesia with right-hander Brent Honeywell, who will likely be used to add length to the bullpen.
Miguel Rojas, who has been playing with a torn adductor muscle, was not included on the National League Championship Series roster, replaced by left-handed center fielder Kevin Kiermaier. Rojas’ absence means Tommy Edman will be the regular shortstop, prompting Enrique Hernandez to start in center field.
If Freddie Freeman’s sprained right ankle keeps him out of the lineup at any point in this series, the Dodgers will likely move Max Muncy to first base and Hernandez to third, with Andy Pages taking over in center.
The Mets went with 14 position players and 12 pitchers, leaving veteran right-hander Adam Ottavino off the roster.
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