rewrite this title Mets trying Jeff McNeil at different position during injury rehab

MINNEAPOLIS — Jeff McNeil’s next act in his rehab will involve trying a different position.

As the Mets’ second baseman continues toward a return from an oblique strain, he is scheduled to play center field on Thursday for Low-A St. Lucie.

McNeil has three center field appearances in his major league career, two of which were starts in 2023.

The Mets have an opportunity for playing time in center, with Jose Siri sidelined by a fractured left tibia.

Siri is expected to be placed on the injured list Thursday.

“This is nothing new for [McNeil], he has played there before,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets faced the Twins at Target Field. “But we wanted to take advantage of this opportunity in the minor leagues, he’s on board with it.”

Mendoza noted the club also has Tyrone Taylor and Luisangel Acuna as center field options but wants to increase McNeil’s positional flexibility.

McNeil’s rehab will potentially shift to Triple-A Syracuse this weekend, but Mendoza said the weather will play a determining factor.

The veteran strained his oblique early in spring training and has been rehabbing since.

Francisco Alvarez was scheduled for a return to action with Double-A Binghamton, a day after he was hit by a pitch in the left hand and departed the game after catching the next inning.

Alvarez is rehabbing from surgery on that same hand.

“A little scary, he came out of the game, but he is fine,” Mendoza said.