PHILADELPHIA — Francisco Lindor’s Potential Return

Francisco Lindor might soon find his way back to Citi Field, though he won’t be back on the Mets’ roster just yet.

After participating in a rehab game with Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared that Lindor might take part in a simulated game prior to the team’s series opener against the Cubs on Monday. This could help give him the opportunity for some back-to-back “games,” especially with the minor league schedule not being very accommodating.

If things go as planned, Wednesday may be the earliest Lindor plays for the Mets, allowing him a day of rest after those back-to-back games.

Mendoza expressed optimism about Lindor’s full involvement at Syracuse, which is a good sign as he’s been recovering from a torn right calf muscle that has kept him sidelined since April 22. He played in a rehab game at Double-A Binghamton on Friday before taking Saturday off.

“He’s close,” Mendoza remarked Sunday night, just before the Mets faced a 6-2 defeat against the Phillies.

On another note, Coach Mendoza opted to start Luis Torrence at catcher for the second consecutive year, while Francisco Alvarez took on the designated hitter role, aiming to optimize both defense and Alvarez’s batting. Torrence managed one hit in three at-bats, while Alvarez had a tougher outing, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

Meanwhile, Luke Weaver has now pitched 20 consecutive scoreless innings in his last 18 games, striking out 25 in that stretch while allowing only 10 hits and four walks.

Looking ahead, Knicks anchor Mike Breen is set to throw the first pitch before Monday’s matchup at Citi Field. The Yonkers native and Fordham graduate has been a die-hard Mets fan and the voice of the NBA Finals for over two decades.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Sunday marked the 62nd anniversary of Jim Bunning’s Father’s Day perfect game played between the Phillies and the Mets at Shea Stadium.