Mets Notes: Jeff McNeil undergoes precautionary MRI, Brandon Nimmo 'better today'

Prior to Friday's game against the Atlanta Braves, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza gave some updates on the team…

Jeff McNeil undergoes MRI

McNeil is not in the starting lineup for the second consecutive game as he deals with shoulder soreness. The Mets skipper gave an update on McNeil's condition and revealed that they got some imaging done on McNeil's shoulder since yesterday.

"We took some MRI this morning just precautionary and it didn’t show anything," Mendoza said. "He’s just got to play through it. It’s in a real spot. Giving him some extra time for the medicine to start working, but this is something that will be day-to-day… He’s available like last night, but limit his exposure on the field for now."

As Mendoza said, McNeil did pinch-hit in the eighth inning of Thursday's loss to the Nationals. While he did strike out, McNeil played the field in the bottom half of the inning, which is an encouraging sign.

For Friday's series opener against the Braves, the outfield alignment consists of Juan Soto in right, Cedric Mullins in center and Tyrone Taylor making his second consecutive start in left in place of Brandon Nimmo. Brett Baty is starting at second base. If McNeil were to get a pinch-hit opportunity, it would likely be for Taylor just as it was on Thursday.

Brandon Nimmo, Luis Torrens updates

Speaking of Nimmo, the veteran outfielder is out of the lineup again after his recurring neck issue popped up during Wednesday's game. 

Mendoza had a promising update on Nimmo, saying that he's "better today" and received treatment and is moving around. He pointed out that when he came to the ballpark on Thursday, he did not do any activities, but since he is, it's a good sign.

While Nimmo is out of the starting lineup, Mendoza didn't rule out an appearance from his outfielder in Friday's game. But he is going to wait and see how he feels after doing some pregame baseball activities before he decides.

As for Torrens, the backstop is riding the bench for the second consecutive game after his glove hand took a swing in Wednesday's game against the Nationals. While Torrens finished the game, his hand was sore and Mendoza said that is still the case on Friday. The Mets skipper did say Torrens is available off the bench, but wanted to give him another day and that there is still no plans to get imaging done on Torrens' hand.

This will be the first time Senger has started back-to-back games since early July.

Mets remain confident in Ryne Stanek

Stanek's performance of late has been as inconsistent as the team's bullpen as a whole. After back-to-back scoreless outings earlier this week, the right-hander allowed four runs on three hits and two walks in Thursday's 9-3 loss to the Nationals. 

Mendoza was asked how the team plans to get Stanek right for the stretch run.

"Continue to be supportive," he said. "The stuff is there. You look at 100 mph, the split and it’s kinda crazy. We continue to believe in him."

The Mets skipper was asked if Stanek's issues are a product of his lack of execution or the sequence of pitches and Mendoza said it's a combination of both.

"When he’s ahead in counts, not being able to finish hitters," Mendoza said. "A little too much in the strike zone and they put the ball in play, and he’s been a little unlucky as well. Executing when he’s ahead in counts is the biggest thing. Making guys chase as opposed to leaving hittable pitches."

In 50 appearances this season, Stanek has pitched to a 5.65 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP.

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