Jeff McNeil's injury puts Opening Day roster further into question

The Mets saw the first Grapefruit League performance by A.J. Minter on Wednesday. But fear not, those of you who like to see a big list of injured players. While Minter gets crossed off that list, we get to add Jeff McNeil, who is dealing with an oblique injury and is now expected to miss Opening Day. So, the list of the walking wounded now includes:

Francisco Alvarez
Sean Manaea
McNeil
Frankie Montas
Brandon Nimmo
Dedniel Nunez

Only the latter two names have a chance to be on the Opening Day roster. One thing applies to both Minter and Nunez and that’s this: How much Grapefruit League action do one-inning relievers need to be ready for the season? If they’re healthy enough to pitch in those games, that means they’ve done work leading up to that. So, if Minter did the necessary throwing to appear in a Spring Training game, would three games be enough for him to go north with the club to start the season?

Perhaps the bigger question is if McNeil is put on the IL, how will the Mets handle things? Will they make either Luisangel Acuna or Brett Baty the starter at 2B? Acuna would be the better defensive fit. But if you’re going to consider Baty as a capable backup at second, how can you not give him this chance? Both players have huge concerns about their ability to hit MLB pitching but at least Baty has experienced success at the plate in Triple-A.

And a related note – would the Mets consider carrying both Acuna and Baty on the Opening Day roster? Or will they take a more experienced middle infielder north? If they have a veteran with shortstop experience on the roster, that would seem to make it easier to carry Baty. That is, if they feel confident starting Baty at second base for multiple games.

A roster that seemed to have most spots filled coming into the beginning of camp now feels very much up in the air. Here’s one guess on how the Opening Day roster might look:

C – Reetz, Torrens
INF – Alonso, Baty, Lindor, Vientos, Walton
OF – Nimmo, Siri, Soto, Taylor
DH – Marte, Winker
SP – Canning, Holmes, Megill, Peterson, Senga
RP – Blackburn, Butto, Diaz, Garrett, Kranick, Minter, Stanek, Young

We already talked about the middle infield options. The other question among position players involves the backup catcher. For several years now, the Mets have considered Hayden Senger a good defensive backstop. Given David Stearns’ emphasis on defense last year, will he choose the better defensive catcher? I’m not sure what Jakson Reetz’ defensive rep is. But he’s my choice here due to the fact he’s seen more playing time in Grapefruit League action. But it would hardly be a surprise if Senger was the ultimate choice.

Which brings us to the bullpen. The Mets won’t need a sixth starter for at least a couple of weeks and Blackburn draws the short stick and opens the year as a reliever. My assumption is that Minter will be ready to go but Nunez will not. Which leaves us two reliever spots to fill. Max Kranick has seen the most Grapefruit League action and the results have been there, as he’s yet to allow a run or a walk in eight innings. Danny Young is out of options and he gives the Mets a second lefty in the pen, making him a very strong candidate for the final spot.

Finally, if Nimmo’s knee requires a trip to the IL, Alexander Canario should get the nod. Jose Azocar is having the better Grapefruit League season but he’s never hit in the majors. In 397 PA, Azocar has a .610 OPS and a 74 wRC+. Canario has strong production at Triple-A, with an .866 OPS in 528 PA – 109 points higher than Azocar at the same level - and he’s had success in his two cups of coffee in the majors, with an .857 OPS in 45 PA.