The Mets used Jeff McNeil in center field Saturday against the Washington Nationals, marking the fourth time the second baseman has played at that spot in the major leagues (three starts). Often used as an outfielder, McNeil typically plays in one of the corner spots, but he has long been asking the Mets for an opportunity to play center.

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:

Fresh off a 7-0 homestand and ahead of a four-game series against the Washington Nationals that starts Friday, the Mets (18-7) activated second baseman/outfielder Jeff McNeil and catcher Francisco Alvarez from the injured list. The timing of the moves was largely expected.