When Jeff McNeil continues his rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie on Thursday, he'll be playing a different position: center field.

McNeil has started two games in center field during his big league career, with both of those appearances coming in 2023. But the bulk of his experience has come at second base, left field, and right field.

That the Mets are having McNeil play center field a few days after Jose Siri suffered a leg injury that will keep him out for an extended period of time is not a coincidence.

And manager Carlos Mendoza said during his pregame news conference on Wednesday that the team is comfortable using McNeil in center when he returns from the IL.

"This is nothing new for him, he's played there before. But we wanted to take advantage of this opportunity in the minor leagues. He's on board with it, so he'll get a game tomorrow in center"

Mendoza added: "We just felt like since he's down there right now, why not use this opportunity to get him some exposure there."

The Mets' primary center fielder with Siri out will likely continue to be Tyrone Taylor, who has an elite glove but has struggled offensively so far this season.

Another option Mendoza mentioned on Wednesday is Luisangel Acuña, who got significant exposure in center field last season in the minors.

Other possible center field options include Brandon Nimmo and Jesse Winker, but Nimmo's legs are being managed deliberately and Winker hasn't played center since 2021.

If Taylor picks things up offensively -- he entered play Wednesday with an OPS+ of 17 -- it's fair to believe he'll continue to get the bulk of the starts in center.

If not, a scenario where the Mets get more creative would make plenty of sense.

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