MILWAUKEE — The Mets, at least for Saturday's game, addressed two weaknesses in one fell swoop by moving Francisco Lindor to a new “position.”
Lindor started as the DH against the Brewers that night after showing some instability at shortstop upon his return from a hip strain.
Lindor reached base three times on Friday, but also made a throw error.
Afterwards, he said his biggest problem was slouching.
Lindor's move to DH allowed manager Carlos Mendoza to use Luis Angel Acuña at shortstop and keep J.D. Martinez, who had been struggling, on the bench.
Martinez, who started the day with a 0-for-35 record, shared the DH spot with Jesse Winker, who also fell into a slump.
Coach Mendoza said he would like Lindor to resume playing shortstop on Sunday, but it's possible the DH experiment could last beyond one day.
Lindor said she's open to anything.
“I think it depends on the content. [David] Mr. Stearns wants to do that,” Lindor said, referring to the Mets' director of baseball operations. “If they feel I'm better at shortstop, I'm going to play shortstop. If they feel I'm better at DH, that's what I'm going to do. I need it to win.” I'm doing everything. I feel like I do after a full game. [Friday]I was going to get better at the DH spot, so let's see where we are. We will respond [daily]”
Lindor was asked how his back felt after playing nine innings on Friday.
“I responded well,” he said. “I was tired, but I think I handled it well.”
Acuña was a bright spot for the Mets during their final homestand, playing shortstop and hitting three home runs.
Lindor's return relegated the rookie to the bench, but that equation could change depending on what happens at the DH spot.
“The fact is that [Lindor] is in the lineup, so we have to try to keep it there as long as possible,” Mendoza said.
“Right now, it's not about ego, it's about what's best for the team, and that's what makes him who he is. He's a special player, and it's about helping teams win baseball games.” I’m going to do whatever it takes.”
The Mets started the day with ties against Atlanta and Arizona in the National League Wild Card race.
Two of the three teams will qualify. The top wild-card seed was taken by the Padres on Friday.
“I think we're in a unique situation,” Lindor said. “We're putting ourselves in a position to be in the playoffs. It could have been a lot worse, but we're in a good place at the moment.”
Lindor returned to action on Friday after missing eight games to rest his hip.
The shortstop had been playing with back discomfort before exacerbating the situation with a baserunning play on Sept. 13.
He missed the first game of the season the next day, and his subsequent attempt to return was cut off after just one and a half innings.
The player said Lindor underwent an MRI, CT scan and bone scan, which all showed no structural damage to his back.
Lindor also received facial injections in hopes of helping alleviate the discomfort.
