Francisco Lindor starts rehab assignment, getting closer to rejoining the Mets

Countdown to Francisco Lindor’s Return

PHILADELPHIA — Francisco Lindor is on track to rejoin the Mets soon.

The shortstop is set to kick off a minor league rehab stint this Friday at Double-A Binghamton. Manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned Lindor could potentially return to the Mets’ lineup by early next week.

Mendoza noted that Lindor is planning to play two games in the minors, but the schedule for Triple-A Syracuse might be affected by weather conditions. He’ll play Friday, take a break Saturday, and then play again on Sunday before any decisions are made.

Since April 23, when he was placed on the disabled list due to a strained left calf, Lindor has been involved in simulated games over the past week.

“He’s really in tune with his body,” Mendoza remarked, adding that Lindor will communicate whether he needs extra at-bats or is ready to return. The team will take it from there, he said, just before the Mets’ 6-4 win against the Phillies.

There’s also the possibility of Lindor occasionally serving as the designated hitter once he’s back.

“I’m sure that will be a topic of conversation, as he wants to be in the lineup every day,” Mendoza explained. “He might view it as more of an off day rather than being taken out completely. But there will be times we must firmly decide to rest him.”

When Lindor returns, it means Bo Bichette will shift back to third base, pushing Brett Batty into a utility role reminiscent of earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, Tyrone Taylor is also in rehab at Binghamton. However, Mendoza indicated that Taylor’s recovery will last longer than Lindor’s, as he hasn’t been able to ramp up his performance at the plate like Lindor has.

Taylor is working through a torn right hip flexor, which has kept him out of action since May 26.

The series will take a break until Saturday night, with Friday’s World Cup match between Brazil and Haiti set for Lincoln Financial Field, located across from Citizens Bank Park.

Mendoza commented on the unusual downtime during the series, saying, “It’s strange, but then you remember there’s a World Cup happening right next door with 80,000 fans expected.” He expressed a desire to attend the match as well.