Francisco Lindor returned to the New York Mets lineup Wednesday after missing nearly two months with a left calf strain, marking his first major league game action since April 22. The Mets activated the five-time All-Star ahead of the second game of a doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field, signaling a significant step in their efforts to strengthen a roster struggling at 34-45.
Lindor was placed on the injured list on April 23 following the injury sustained while running the bases and subsequently missed 55 games, the longest IL stint of his career. Before the injury, Lindor had a slow start to the season, batting .226 with two home runs, five RBIs, and a .669 OPS across 24 games. Despite this, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the veteran shortstop’s value both on and off the field, noting the impact of his presence in the clubhouse and on defense.
“We missed him,” Mendoza said prior to the start of Wednesday’s games. “We need him.” Lindor was inserted into the lineup batting second and playing shortstop for the nightcap after the Mets dropped the first game 10-3. To accommodate Lindor’s activation, infielder Zack Short was designated for assignment.
Prior to rejoining the major league roster, Lindor participated in three minor league rehab games with Triple-A Syracuse, posting a .231 batting average with a stolen base over 13 at-bats. Lindor expressed confidence in his recovery, stating he felt good despite some fatigue after playing a full nine innings in his final rehab contest Sunday.
Lindor’s return comes as the Mets continue to navigate injuries to key players, most notably outfielder Juan Soto. Soto sat out both games of Wednesday’s doubleheader with left side back tightness, an issue that caused him to exit Tuesday’s 9-6 loss to the Cubs early. Mendoza described Soto's status as day-to-day, adding that while Soto had received treatment on Wednesday, no further testing had been conducted. Soto has appeared in only nine games alongside Lindor this season, having missed nearly three weeks earlier due to a calf strain.
In other roster moves, Ronny Mauricio was activated Wednesday after completing his rehab assignment following a left thumb fracture. The 25-year-old infielder was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse. Mauricio had been sidelined since May 3.
Mendoza acknowledged the team’s current standing and challenges but expressed cautious optimism with Lindor back in the fold. “It’s not too late, but obviously, it’s not too early,” Mendoza said regarding the potential for a season turnaround. “This is where we are. We’re not playing well. Our record’s our record. It’s good that we have Lindor back now, but we can’t put all of it on him.”