The New York Mets may finally be getting the spark they have been waiting for as star shortstop Francisco Lindor moves closer to returning from the calf injury that has kept him sidelined since late April. With the team struggling to stay relevant in the National League playoff race, Lindor’s progress could not come at a more important time.
Lindor took a significant step in his recovery this week by beginning a rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton. In his first official game action in nearly two months, the four-time All-Star played six innings at shortstop and went 1-for-4 at the plate, collecting a hit in his first at-bat. The appearance marked an encouraging milestone after weeks of rehabilitation and conditioning work.
Before reporting to Binghamton, Lindor had already participated in multiple simulated games at Citi Field, allowing him to regain timing at the plate and sharpen his defensive skills. Those extra reps could shorten the amount of time he needs in the minors before rejoining the Mets, potentially accelerating his return to the major league roster.
According to current plans, Lindor is expected to take a day off before appearing in another rehab game on Sunday, either with Double-A Binghamton or Triple-A Syracuse, depending on conditions. Following that outing, the Mets will evaluate his health and readiness before determining the next step.
Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence in Lindor’s ability to judge his own condition, emphasizing that the veteran infielder understands his body better than anyone. The organization intends to rely heavily on Lindor’s feedback regarding whether he needs additional at-bats or feels physically prepared to return to the majors.
His comeback could not arrive at a more critical moment. New York has managed a respectable 26-25 record during Lindor’s absence, but the club remains below .500 and is fighting to stay within reach of the National League Wild Card race. The Mets currently face an uphill battle, needing to overtake several teams in the standings to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The urgency surrounding Lindor’s return extends beyond the field. As the trade deadline approaches, the Mets may soon be forced to decide whether they will buy reinforcements for a playoff push or begin selling veteran assets. Some analysts have suggested that if New York remains well below .500 in the coming weeks, the front office could consider moving players with expiring contracts, including pitchers Freddy Peralta, David Peterson, and A.J. Minter.
That reality makes Lindor’s return even more significant. If the Mets are going to make a serious run at the postseason and convince management to invest in the roster rather than dismantle parts of it, they will need their franchise shortstop healthy and productive as soon as possible. His upcoming rehab appearance could be the final step before a long-awaited return to Queens, giving New York a much-needed boost during a crucial stretch of the season.
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