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WASHINGTON — Jeff McNeil’s right shoulder has been barking for the past week, and Thursday the discomfort finally pushed him to the bench.

The second baseman was absent from the starting lineup on a day the Mets were without Brandon Nimmo (who is dealing with neck stiffness ).

McNeil, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, has experienced discomfort on throws.

“It doesn’t bother him to swing the bat; it’s just more of the throwing,” Mendoza said before the Mets lost 9-3 to the Nationals .

Jeff McNeil reacts during the Mets’ game against the Nationals on Aug. 20. Imagn Images

Brett Baty started

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