New York Mets' Jeff McNeil exits with body cramps; Albert Almora hurt after crashing into wall

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Wednesday, May 12, 2021

NEW YORK -- The New York Mets lost All-Star second baseman Jeff McNeil to body cramps and center fielder Albert Almora Jr. after a vicious crash with the outfield wall during a 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.

Mets manager Luis Rojas said afterward that X-rays came back negative on Almora's shoulder and neck. He and McNeil will both be re-evaluated Wednesday.

McNeil lined his second hit of the game off starter John Means with two outs in the third inning and tried to beat center fielder Cedric Mullins' throw to second. He slowed down about halfway between first and second and was out by several steps.

McNeil appeared only in minor discomfort but was replaced at second base by Jose Peraza the next inning.

McNeil lifted his average to .234 this season as he has gradually pulled out of an early slump.

Last Friday, McNeil, 29, appeared to get into a dugout scuffle with double-play partner Francisco Lindor, a moment Lindor tried to dismiss as a debate about rats and raccoons.

Almora tracked Austin Hays' rocket to the warning track in center and had the ball in his glove when he slammed face-first into the wall. His head left an indention on the padded fencing.

The ball fell out of his mitt, and Almora crashed to the warning track, where he remained face down for more than a minute.

With the help of a trainer, he picked himself up and walked off under his own power to applause from fans at Citi Field.

Almora was 0-for-3 and is batting .048 this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.