Mets: Jeff McNeil injured just after Buck Showalter campaigns for All-Star spot

Just hours after Mets manager Buck Showalter championed for a utilityman All-Star spot, Jeff McNeil was removed from Monday’s game.

McNeil has been incredibly valuable for New York, as is the case most years in Queens. This season, he’s played multiple positions and is hitting a team-leading .327.

While McNeil has a good case to make the NL All-Star team this season regardless of position, Showalter believes there should be a utility spot in the Midsummer Classic.

“There should be a category in the All-Star Game for a utility player. You can’t win without one. They should get recognized,” Showalter said.

Later on Monday, however, Showalter’s comment proved to be the kiss of death, as McNeil was injured against the Marlins.

Mets injury update: Jeff McNeil hurts hamstring

Just after scoring the third run of the game, McNeil was removed with hamstring tightness. While the severity of said ailment is unknown as of now, any injury to McNeil — where they’re forced to survive without arguably their most consistent hitter — is a tough blow.

McNeil plays primarily second base and left field. In his absence, expect New York to feature Luis Guillorme at second and Mark Canha in the outfield. While neither brings the same bravado that McNeil does on a regular basis, both are capable enough to fill his shoes in the short-term.