Mets Update: Lindor’s Return and Team Challenges

Monday night wasn’t just about the Mets-Cubs game being rained out; it also impacted Francisco Lindor’s opportunity to participate in a simulated game. However, manager Carlos Mendoza hasn’t completely ruled out Lindor’s return by Wednesday.

Lindor, who has been sidelined with a strained left calf since April 22, was initially set to play a full game with Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday and then a mock game at Citi Field on Monday before the series against the Cubs. Unfortunately, wet weather has kept him primarily indoors for training. His next planned appearance is with Syracuse again on Tuesday in Lehigh Valley.

If that goes well, Mendoza mentioned they would “re-evaluate” Lindor’s status and consider what the next steps might be. There seems to be some hope yet. “We’ll see if he needs more time off or if he’s ready to come back,” Mendoza stated. “We just have to get through [Tuesday] first and then have those discussions.”

Lindor did play in a rehab game on Friday at Double-A Binghamton but took a break on Saturday.

In Lindor’s absence, Bo Bichette has stepped in as the primary shortstop. The situation has been tough for the Mets, especially given that Lindor’s injury coincided with Juan Soto’s return from a similar calf issue in April.

The game originally scheduled for Monday will now occur as part of a split doubleheader on Wednesday at Citi Field, starting at 1:10 p.m. and followed by another game at 7:10 p.m. Fans who had tickets for the Monday games can use those for the rescheduled ones.

It’s almost as if the Mets have been waiting endlessly for both Mark Vientos and Brett Batty to really showcase their potential. But now, they face the challenge of not being able to utilize both corner infielders simultaneously.

Just as Vientos was beginning to find his groove, bouncing back from a tough stretch with a 6-for-17 performance including two home runs in six games, Batty has hit a rough patch, going 0-for-12.

Vientos has had ongoing difficulties with right-handed pitchers, which have become more apparent as the season progresses. His career OPS is .776, with a stronger .830 against left-handed pitchers. However, his struggles against right-handers are significant, with a current season OPS of .543, and a .692 across his career.