Michael Conforto
(Brynn Anderson / AP Photo)

The injury bug strikes every team at some point, but the New York Mets are hoping Jeff McNeil and Michael Conforto aren’t out long.

When it rains, it pours. Such is true for the New York Mets right now. No, their misfortune has nothing to do with the weather. The Mets’ misfortune has to do with Jeff McNeil and Michael Conforto.

Both players had to leave Thursday’s game early after sustaining injuries. McNeil felt some “abdominal tightness” after running the bases in the third inning. The Mets are saying this was a “precautionary” move according to SNY.

Later in the game, Conforto collided with Robinson Cano on a fly ball in no man’s land. Cano’s shoulder slammed into Conforto’s jaw before the right fielder came down in a heap.

Conforto spent a long time talking with manager Mickey Callaway and the team trainer before he was pulled. It’s hard to tell exactly what was being said, but it looked like Conforto was in decent shape after the collision.

McNeil and Conforto are vital to New York’s long-term goals. McNeil has been an absolute sparkplug this year. He has the second highest batting average in the MLB, trailing only Cody Bellinger who happens to be an early MVP frontrunner in the National League.

Moreover, the Mets need Conforto to hold down the middle of the lineup if they have any hopes of snagging a postseason berth. Entering Thursday’s game, he had a .904 on-base plus slugging percentage. That is a sign that the lefty slugger is back to his All-Star form after a down 2018 season.

Aside from any long-term health concerns, the Mets are on the cusp of losing the rubber match of a three-game set with the Washington Nationals.

UPDATE:

Following the game, Conforto was diagnosed with a concussion per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.