The New York Mets are making an unusual request to Major League Baseball regarding the infielder

The New York Mets have made an unusual request to Major League Baseball regarding infielder Jeff McNeil.

According to Anthony Dicomo of MLB.com on social media:

The Mets are petitioning Major League Baseball to allow Jeff McNeil to participate in Arizona Fall League games. That would give him the live pitching he needs to see before activation.

The 32-year-old hasn't played since September 6 due to injury and the AFL would give him the chance to get some real offense in a rehab facility. Obviously the minor league season is over, so that's not an option. There could be the possibility of simulated games, but how realistic that is is not really known at this point. Most pitchers not on the active roster have been shut down.

A seven-year veteran, McNeil is hitting .238 with 12 homers and 44 RBI this year. He gives the Mets some versatility at second base, third base and in the outfield. McNeil is a former batting champion (2021) and a career .289 hitter. He posted a .326 batting average in the 2021 season and hit a career high of 23 home runs in 2019. He is a two-time All-Star.

The Mets are currently locked in a 1-1 series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Game 3 will be played Tuesday afternoon in Philadelphia. If the Mets win, they will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres in the National League Championship Series.

The Mets will send left-hander Sean Manaea to the mound against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 5:08 p.m. ET at Citi Field.

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter @FastballFN.