Jeff McNeil joining Mets' bench for Thursday matinee

New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil is not in the starting lineup for Thursday afternoon's series finale against left-hander Braxton Garrett and the Miami Marlins.

What It Means:

The Mets appear to be giving McNeil the matinee off for maintenance after the infielder started the past six contests. Jonathan Villar is moving over to second base in place of McNeil on Thursday and batting leadoff. J.D. Davis is returning to the lineup to bat cleanup and play third base. Pete Alonso is hitting second and Dominic Smith is the number-three batter.

numberFire’s models project Davis for 11.4 FanDuel points and he has a $3,000 salary on Thursday. Villar ($2,800) is projected for 14.3 FanDuel points. Per our MLB Heat Map, the Mets have an implied total of 4.4 runs. Garrett is registering a 20.2 strikeout percentage with a 9.1 walk percentage this season.