Francisco Lindor Set for Return After Back Injury

Francisco Lindor Set for Return After Back Injury \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is expected to return to the lineup for Tuesday’s series opener against the Braves after recovering from a back injury. He missed five games and underwent treatment to relieve pain in his spine. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza anticipates Lindor playing shortstop, not serving as a designated hitter.

Francisco Lindor Injury Return Quick Looks:

• Francisco Lindor expected to return to the Mets’ lineup on Tuesday night.
• Lindor missed five straight games due to a back injury.
• A numbing injection on Thursday targeted the facet joints in his spine.
• Lindor will take part in sprints, batting practice, and fielding drills before returning.
• Mets manager Carlos Mendoza envisions Lindor returning to shortstop, not designated hitter.
• Lindor is hitting .271 with 31 home runs and 86 RBIs this season.
• Since a slow start through May 20, Lindor has batted .307 with 24 home runs in his last 101 games.

Deep Look:

The New York Mets are poised to welcome back their star shortstop, Francisco Lindor, as they begin a crucial series against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night. After being sidelined by a back injury for five consecutive games, Lindor is expected to make his long-awaited return to the lineup, providing a much-needed boost to a Mets team looking to compete down the stretch. Lindor’s absence has been felt across the board, as the dynamic shortstop has been one of the team’s most consistent performers in 2024, contributing both offensively and defensively.

The injury, which has kept Lindor off the field for much of the past week, was related to the facet joints in his spine, which became inflamed and caused discomfort. To address the issue, Lindor received a numbing injection on Thursday aimed at easing the pain in those joints. The injection was applied to the facet joints located on either side of the spine, which, when inflamed, can cause significant stiffness and limit mobility—a critical issue for an athlete who relies on his quick reflexes and agility to make plays at shortstop. Fortunately for the Mets, Lindor responded well to the treatment and has made steady progress in his recovery.

According to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, Lindor has shown signs of improvement and has set his sights on a Tuesday night return. Mendoza noted that Lindor felt much better over the weekend and had plans to participate in key physical drills, including running sprints, hitting in the batting cage, and taking ground balls. These drills are essential for determining whether Lindor is ready to return to full game action, as the Mets want to ensure that their star player can handle the physical demands of playing shortstop, where his quick movements and defensive range are crucial to the team’s success.

Despite the recent injury, Mendoza has been clear about his intention to use Lindor at shortstop when he returns rather than easing him in as a designated hitter (DH). “I think we’re looking at him being a full player for us,” Mendoza said, explaining that using Lindor as a DH could pose challenges in keeping him physically active throughout the game. “DHing, he’s going to have to hit and then sit down, and somehow he’s going to have to try and stay hot. We haven’t got to that point, but the way we see it is, when he’s ready to go, he’s playing shortstop for us.”

Lindor has been one of the Mets’ most valuable players throughout the season, and his return comes at a pivotal moment as the team gears up for a challenging series against their division rivals, the Atlanta Braves. The four-time All-Star’s presence in the lineup will be especially crucial as the Mets try to generate offense against one of the best teams in Major League Baseball. Lindor’s ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes him indispensable, and his return could provide the spark the Mets need to compete in a tough National League East division.

Statistically, Lindor has had a strong season, batting .271 with 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases. His power and speed combination has made him a threat on the basepaths and a middle-of-the-order presence in the lineup. Although Lindor started the season slowly, batting just .193 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs through May 20, he turned things around in dramatic fashion. Over his last 101 games, Lindor has been on fire, batting .307 with 24 home runs and 64 RBIs. This offensive surge has been a major factor in the Mets’ ability to stay competitive, despite battling injuries and inconsistency throughout the season.

Lindor’s defense has also been a critical component of the Mets’ success. As one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball, his range, quickness, and strong throwing arm have helped solidify the infield. Having Lindor back at shortstop will not only boost the defense but also allow other players to return to their more familiar roles, improving the overall team dynamic. Mendoza has emphasized the importance of Lindor’s role as an all-around player, and his return to shortstop could make a significant difference in the Mets’ performance.

The timing of Lindor’s return is also significant as the Mets prepare to face the Atlanta Braves, a team that has dominated the National League East in recent years. The Braves have consistently been one of the top teams in the league, and facing them with a full-strength roster, including a healthy Francisco Lindor, will give the Mets a fighting chance. The Mets have had their share of ups and downs throughout the season, but with Lindor returning to the lineup, they are hoping to finish the season on a high note and make a push for the postseason.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Lindor has been a leader in the Mets’ clubhouse, offering guidance and support to younger players. His experience and professionalism have been valuable assets to the team, especially during periods of struggle. As the Mets head into the final stretch of the season, having Lindor back at full capacity will be crucial for their chances of success.

Fans eagerly await Lindor’s return to action, and his presence will no doubt provide a jolt of energy to both his teammates and the Mets faithful. With the team facing a tough stretch of games, having Lindor back at shortstop could be the difference between staying in the playoff race or falling out of contention.

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