Mets suffers major setback with Jeff McNeil wrist injury

The New York Mets have been hit with a significant injury blow, as second baseman Jeff McNeil is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a fractured wrist.

The injury occurred during Friday night's game against the Cincinnati Reds when McNeil was struck by a 74-mph curveball from Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson.

At the time, McNeil thought little of the impact, but subsequent tests revealed the severity of the injury.

"It didn't hurt that bad at all," McNeil commented on Saturday before the Mets faced the Reds again at Citi Field.

Despite the initial lack of pain, the fracture is expected to sideline McNeil for 4-6 weeks, dealing a major blow to the Mets' hopes for the rest of the season.

McNeil, who has been a crucial contributor during a strong second half for the team, refrained from officially ruling himself out for the season but acknowledged the uphill battle for a return.

Who will replace McNeil?

"If you see me on the field again, that's a really good thing," McNeil remarked, hinting that a comeback would likely require a deep Mets run into October, which remains uncertain given the team's current standing.

In McNeil's absence, the Mets are expected to rely on veteran Jose Iglesias to fill in at second base.

However, there is speculation that the Mets might also consider calling up top prospect Luisangel Acuna later this month to provide additional depth.

McNeil's injury is a massive setback for a Mets team already facing an uphill battle.

With his consistent performance this season, McNeil's presence will be sorely missed as the Mets try to navigate the remainder of the schedule without one of their key players.