Mets news: Jeff McNeil exits game against Orioles with injury

New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil left Tuesday’s game early due to “body cramps.”

In the third inning of the Mets’ series opener against the Baltimore Orioles, McNeil singled to center field and took a sharp turn at first base before sprinting toward second. However, it seemed like he hurt himself on the way and allowed himself to be tagged out by Oriole shortstop Freddy Galvis. McNeil never slid and stopped his run – clearly, something was wrong.

The Mets have diagnosed the problem as “body cramps,” and it’s the latest setback for a Mets roster that can’t afford any more injuries.

Jeff McNeil suffers “body cramps” mid-game and exits early

McNeil was quickly replaced at second base by Jose Peraza for the fourth inning. The one-time All-Star was 2-for-2 before suffering the injury is batting 0.234. He’s recorded three home runs with eight RBI this season, and has proven to be one of the more dependable hitters in the Mets’ misfiring yet often unlucky offense.

The Mets have to hope this only a short-term ailment, as their position player depth is thinning very quickly with Luis Guillorme, Brandon Nimmo, and J.D. Davis already on the injured list. Add to the mix some potentially frightening MRI scans for star pitcher Jacob deGrom, and the Mets may very well sink back down to the bottom of the table.

So far in the game, the Mets continue to struggle to hit at the plate, and starting pitcher Marcus Stroman has allowed four hits and one run to record a 2.12 ERA.