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Jeff McNeil on the Mets’ NLCS squad; Dodgers without Vesia, Rojas

Jeff McNeil on the Mets’ NLCS squad; Dodgers without Vesia, Rojas

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jeff McNeil, who broke his right wrist on a hit a little more than five weeks ago, is back.

The New York Mets added McNeil to the roster for their National League Championship Series game against the Los Angeles Dodgers before Game 1 on Sunday and also opted to retain Luisangel Acuña as a backup infielder.

McNeil played two consecutive games in the Arizona Fall League, one at second base and the other in right field. With Jose Iglesias signed as the regular second baseman, McNeil could start at one of the outside corners or be used off the bench as a left-handed hitter.

McNeil’s bat could be even more valuable since the Dodgers will be without a key left-handed hitter in Alex Vesia, who suffered an intercostal injury in Game 5 of the team’s NL Division Series. The Dodgers replaced Vesia with right-hander Brent Honeywell, who will likely provide length out of the bullpen.

Miguel Rojas, who suffered a torn adductor muscle, was not on the NLCS roster and was replaced by left-hander Kevin Kiermaier. Rojas’ absence means Tommy Edman will be the everyday shortstop, prompting Enrique Hernandez to start in center field.

If Freddie Freeman’s sprained right ankle keeps him out of the lineup at any point this series, the Dodgers will likely move Max Muncy to first base and Hernandez to third base, with Andy Pages taking over the center position.

The Mets started with 14 position players and 12 pitchers and left veteran right-hander Adam Ottavino off the roster.

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