McNeil and Acuna both are infielders who have dabbled in center — McNeil recently in a couple of minor-league games, Acuna last year in a bunch of minor-league games. So if the Mets want both in the lineup at those spots, they have two options:

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez and second baseman Jeff McNeil could be activated when the team starts a road trip Friday at Washington. Alvarez fractured the hamate bone in his left hand during batting practice on March 8 and had surgery two days later.

The Mets will likely have two big pieces back this weekend, as Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez are expected to be activated from the IL on Friday.