Francisco Lindor has returned to the New York Mets’ lineup, signaling a positive turn in his recovery from lower back pain. After missing significant playing time due to the discomfort, Lindor was back at shortstop and leading off in the game against the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night. This marked his first appearance since September 15, a relief for the Mets who are in a crucial phase of the season.
The Mets find themselves in a tight race for a playoff spot, with just a slight lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second NL wild card. The potential of a Monday doubleheader in Atlanta looms if the playoff scenario remains unclear by then, heightening the importance of each game in the remaining regular season lineup.
New York’s manager, Carlos Mendoza, and president of baseball operations, David Stearns, are both optimistic about Lindor’s ability to endure the final stretch of the regular season, including the possibility of playing five games in four days. Lindor’s participation in a recent workout in Milwaukee showed promising signs, as he appeared comfortable swinging the bat, running the bases, and engaging positively with his teammates and coaches.
Stearns expressed confidence in Lindor’s readiness to play, highlighting the significance of his return at this crucial juncture of the season. The 30-year-old infielder has been a key contributor for the Mets this season, boasting impressive stats including a .271 batting average, 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases in 148 games. His performance places him among the leaders in various offensive categories in the NL, showcasing his value to the team’s playoff aspirations.
As the Mets navigate the final games of the regular season, all eyes will be on Lindor as he aims to help secure a spot in the postseason for his team. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his return impacts the Mets’ playoff push and whether he can maintain his stellar contributions as the season nears its climax.
