Francisco Lindor Progresses in Recovery
Francisco Lindor is making strides in his recovery from a strained left calf, which has kept him off the field since April. He’s now begun running bases at shortstop, a significant step forward.
This development hints that his return might be on the horizon, though he hasn’t officially stated when he plans to come back.
According to Jon Heyman from the Post, Lindor could be back by the third week of June. David Stearns, the President of Baseball Operations, expressed his expectation that Lindor would rejoin the team by the end of the month.
The Mets have struggled significantly in the early part of the season, and if they are to change their fortunes, they will definitely need their star shortstop back in the lineup.
Currently in his sixth season with the Mets, Lindor lives with his family in Manhattan, and at 32, he has a good grasp of the city’s vibe.
Lindor recognizes the significance of the Knicks winning their first title in so long, and he understands how this could resonate for the Mets as well.
“It’s a great moment as a New York sports fan,” Lindor reflected after the Mets defeated the Braves 8-1 in a recent series. In the celebration, the team focused on how they support each other.
In a reminder of the Knicks’ long struggle before triumph, owner James Dolan recently apologized for the delay in bringing home a championship.
“That’s what the owner said,” Lindor remarked. “I don’t need more motivation than that, but seeing them win does inspire me as a player. We want to make our mark here, too. Witnessing history in this city gives you goosebumps and leads you to ponder, ‘What if?’”
For those “what ifs” to materialize, Lindor needs to get back on the field and restore his fitness.
Before his injury, Lindor had been performing well, going 7-for-17 with two extra-base hits over his last five games, coincidentally just as Juan Soto returned from his own calf strain.
The Mets have missed Lindor’s presence, and their offense has largely struggled without their key players. Still, there have been recent bright spots that offer some hope.
Manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned before a recent game that Lindor would be continuing his rehab work this week. The team will monitor his progress before deciding on a potential minor league rehab stint, considering he hasn’t played in about two months.
While the Mets have not played well in his absence, they aren’t completely out of the race. The hope is that Lindor’s return could revitalize a team that has been underperforming.
If Lindor retakes his position at shortstop, Bo Bichette would shift back to third base, Brett Batty would be utilized against certain right-handers, and Jared Young is likely to stay at first base, at least for the time being.
