Francisco Lindor Poised for Return to Mets
It might be a case of too little, too late, but Francisco Lindor could make his return to the Mets lineup as early as Wednesday, according to Carlos Mendoza.
The team has been awaiting Lindor’s comeback since April when he strained his left calf. Recently, he played eight innings at shortstop and secured two hits during a minor league rehab game for Triple-A Syracuse against Lehigh Valley on Tuesday. There’s a chance he could participate in Wednesday’s doubleheader versus the Cubs at Citi Field.
After the Mets’ 9-6 loss on Tuesday, Mendoza mentioned he would confer with the front office and trainers about Lindor’s availability for the upcoming game.
His teammates are clearly looking forward to his return.
“It’s exciting,” Bo Bichette remarked. “We haven’t been at our full strength for much of the season, and we’re still not quite there, but getting him back is a substantial boost.”
Bichette is committed to focusing on his shortstop role, rather than playing third base while Lindor has been out. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns acknowledged that while Lindor plays a “huge role” in helping the team salvage the season, it’s unrealistic to expect him to carry the team immediately after his absence.
When Lindor returns, he will resume playing shortstop, though he might take a few days off initially, possibly serving as a designated hitter to ensure his health.
Amidst Lindor’s issues last season, reports surfaced about various challenges within the Mets’ clubhouse, including an incident involving Lindor and former teammate Jeff McNeil, now with the Athletics, along with tensions between Lindor and Juan Soto.
Stearns, however, remains optimistic, noting he hasn’t observed any chemistry issues within the team despite their current struggles.
“From what I see, they mesh pretty well,” Stearns commented on the revamped lineup. “I believe we’re playing hard, although that doesn’t always translate to performance. The players care about winning, and I haven’t seen any unity problems in the clubhouse.”
Stearns also reflected on his tenure in Milwaukee, contrasting it with his current role. He mentioned the distinct advantages of being with the Mets, which allows access to a broader pool of players, signifying a shift in operational methods compared to smaller markets.
Although results have varied, with Soto excelling while higher-profile signings have struggled with injuries, the team’s trajectory remains under scrutiny.
Additionally, the Mets recently acquired outfielder Jared Oliva off waivers from the Giants. At 30 years old, he is set to join Syracuse and has played in 33 major league games over three seasons, including seven this year.
In another note, Cubs manager Craig Counsell made a controversial move during the seventh inning, resulting in him being tossed from the game. Following a walk from Michael Busch and Pete Crow Armstrong, the latter attempted to steal but was tagged out after briefly losing grip on the base. The Mets disputed the call, claiming he left the base too early.
