New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor took an encouraging step toward his return to the major leagues on Friday night, beginning his Minor League rehab assignment with the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies. In his first game action since suffering a left calf strain on April 22, the veteran infielder showed early signs of rhythm, finishing 1-for-4 while also scoring a run during his six innings at shortstop.
Lindor made an immediate impact in his first plate appearance, batting from the left side and lining a single into right-center field that narrowly eluded a diving defender. The hit sparked the Mets’ offense in the inning, as Lindor later crossed home plate to score the opening run just a couple of batters afterward. However, his remaining at-bats proved less productive, as he flew out twice and struck out once to close out his night.
Despite the uneven finish at the plate, the primary focus for the Mets was simply getting their star shortstop back into live game action after nearly two months on the injured list. Lindor’s return to competitive play marks a key milestone in his recovery process, especially as he had been limited to controlled workouts and simulated at-bats at Citi Field in recent weeks.
The current expectation is that Lindor will continue his rehab assignment with another game either on Sunday or in the coming days, depending on weather conditions and scheduling. He could potentially appear at either Double-A or Triple-A before being evaluated for activation. The Mets are reportedly open to a relatively short rehab window, given his recent workload in simulated settings and his familiarity with regular game preparation.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has indicated that Lindor will play a significant role in determining his own readiness, emphasizing the shortstop’s experience and awareness of his physical condition. The decision on when he returns to the big-league roster will ultimately depend on how he feels after additional game action.
Before landing on the injured list, Lindor was hitting .226 with a .669 OPS through 24 games, numbers that reflected an inconsistent start to his season. His absence has been felt throughout the Mets’ lineup, with the team posting a 26-25 record without their All-Star leader and struggling to maintain momentum in a competitive National League playoff race.
Lindor’s return is especially important as the Mets attempt to reinsert veteran leadership and stability into a roster searching for consistency. Alongside him, outfielder Tyrone Taylor also began a rehab assignment on the same night, going 2-for-3 with a home run while playing center field, offering additional depth reinforcement options for New York as key players work their way back.
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