The 2024 campaign hasn't really gone the New York Mets way to this point, as they sit in fourth place in the National League East with a 27-35 record. While there are guys struggling up and down the roster, one guy who has really come to personify the Mets and their current woes is Jeff McNeil.

McNeil has not been able to get anything going at the plate this season (.227 BA, 3 HR, 14 RBI, .616 OPS), and it's resulted in him losing at-bats as of late. McNeil isn't in the lineup for the fourth straight game as New York prepares to take on the Philadelphia Phillies in their two-game London series, and when asked about his recent string of benchings, McNeil had a rather blunt response.

Via Anthony DiComo:

“Jeff McNeil, sitting today for the fourth consecutive game and the fifth out of seven, expects to be back in the Mets' lineup tomorrow. McNeil didn't complain when asked about the situation. Does he agree with it? ‘I don't have a choice. He makes the lineup, and I respect that.'”

Jeff McNeil expecting to be back in the Mets starting lineup soon

New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) celebrates his two-run home run in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

During this recent stretch, McNeil has seen Jose Iglesias fill in for him at second base, and while he's only played in five games, he's been producing at a much higher clip than McNeil (.389 BA, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .865 OPS). Manager Carlos Mendoza is looking for any sort of spark he can to get this lineup going, and with Iglesias swinging a hot stick as of late, there's been no reason to take him out of the lineup.

Given McNeil's All-Star pedigree, though, there's a decent shot he will be back in the lineup at some point in the near future. While he's not upset with Mendoza for his decision to continue giving Iglesias at-bats, McNeil also noted that he is expecting to be in the lineup for the Mets game on Sunday, and that he will be ready if his number ends up getting called.

Via Mike Puma:

Jeff McNeil: ‘I plan on being in there tomorrow and I am going to be ready.'”

Mendoza would obviously rather not have to keep having McNeil ride the pine, but until he can get things figured out at the plate, or Iglesias cools down, he's going to continually be faced with a tough decision. McNeil has obviously produced in the past, but he's struggling pretty badly right now, so you can't exactly continue to put him in the lineup and hope he will eventually find his way.

This is certainly an interesting subplot to watch as New York gets underway in London, and all eyes will be on McNeil to see if he ends up taking the field in this short two-game series. He seems to be expecting a return to action in their next game, but if Iglesias has another big day, Mendoza may have no choice but to keep him in the lineup and McNeil on the bench.