Lindor Could Return to the Diamond Soon with the Mets
The New York Mets shortstop, Francisco Lindor, could be back on the field sooner than expected. The recovery from his broken finger is progressing at an accelerated pace, which could allow him to rejoin the team even this weekend.Mets manager Carlos Mendoza reported that Lindor did running exercises and batting cage practice. There is a possibility that the player will be available to participate in Friday’s game.
Lindor suffered a fracture in the pinky toe of his right foot after being hit by a pitch from Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin on Wednesday. The player did not participate in Thursday’s game.
Ronny Mauricio filled in for Lindor at shortstop against the Rockies on Friday, while Brandon Nimmo was in the leadoff position.I feel a little better today than yesterday. I thought maybe I’d be out for the whole series. But seeing him today and talking to him, I wouldn’t be surprised if he were in the lineup on Saturday or the next day.
Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
So far this season, Lindor has a batting average of .279, with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs. Last season, Lindor was the runner-up in the National League MVP voting, surpassed by Shohei Ohtani.
In other news, Mets’ left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea made a rehab start for the High-A Brooklyn team against the Blue Rocks. Manaea, who has been out of action all season due to an oblique injury, threw 36 pitches, 26 of them strikes, in 1⅔ innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs. He struck out two batters and did not concede any walks.
Manaea, 33, signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Mets as a free agent. Last season, he went 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts.
