Jeff McNeil leaves game early with shin contusion

After being hit by a pitch in the first inning, Jeff McNeil was removed from Sunday’s game before taking his second at-bat. A slider form Chris Archer got away and hit McNeil in his right shin, and it seemed to mostly catch his shin guard.

Nevertheless, McNeil was shaken up, and he took some time to get down the line. He initially remained in the game to run the bases and scored on Michael Conforto’s home run, but he was replaced by Aaron Altherr when the Mets turned the lineup over.

Thankfully, the move seems to have been mostly precautionary. With the Mets putting up a six spot in the first, Mickey Callaway could take the cautious approach and protect his star player. X-rays on McNeil’s shin were negative, so it’s just a nasty contusion for now, and he’ll have an off day tomorrow to get healthy for the team’s upcoming series with the White Sox.