The New York Mets narrowly avoided a major setback as Francisco Lindor received encouraging news from his MRI on Monday, which revealed no serious issues with his lower back. Although the star shortstop expects to return during the regular season, he won’t be back right away. Lindor mentioned that he might be out for up to five days, but it could be just two or three if his recovery goes well. “I was praying on my way to the MRI that the results would be day-to-day,” Lindor said before the Mets started their series against the Nationals at Citi Field. “And thankfully, my prayers were answered.”
Lindor, who sat out Saturday’s game in Philadelphia due to back discomfort, attempted to play on Sunday but exited in the second inning. “I expect this to linger for the rest of the season, but it’s something I can manage,” Lindor noted. “I’ll likely wake up sore [Tuesday], but not as bad, and that’s probably how it’ll be the rest of the year.” With an .834 OPS and 31 home runs, Lindor has been instrumental in the Mets’ postseason push, and an ongoing injury could seriously affect their chances.
Lindor’s first missed game of the season came on Saturday, but he returned to the lineup on Sunday. After hitting a bloop single in the first inning, he didn’t feel comfortable running to first. “When I took a few steps out of the box, it just didn’t feel right,” Lindor explained. “I didn’t feel I could push through it.” Despite working with trainers and feeling confident after some swings in the batting cage, he is expected to take a more cautious approach going forward.
“It’s tough to come out of the game and not be there for my teammates,” Lindor admitted. “It didn’t feel good.” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the need to be cautious with Lindor, who is too valuable to risk further injury before the playoffs. “Health is the priority here,” Mendoza said. “We don’t want him to push himself and get hurt when it’s avoidable.”
