In what has been a challenging year on many fronts, the New York Mets' injury issues have been perhaps the most glaring detractor.
The last place Mets have had to endure lengthy absences to several key players including Juan Soto, Jorge Polanco, Francisco Alvarez, Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga, Luis Robert Jr., and Ronny Mauricio. Perhaps the most impactful loss of all has been to star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who played only 24 games before an April calf strain derailed his season.
What began as a trip to the 10-day IL became a two-month stint, with the Mets struggling to tread water without their veteran leader. But Lindor is making progress, and the club now has laid out a possible timeline for his return, which could happen as soon as next week.
Manager Carlos Mendoza spoke with media on Thursday night to announce that the 32-year-old will begin a rehab assignment for the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies starting this weekend. With this, he explained that the plan is for Lindor to play Friday, rest Saturday, and play again on Sunday.
After that, the Mets and Lindor will make a decision on whether he is ready to rejoin the team or if he needs more time in the minors to feel 100 percent.
Lindor notched a base hit on his first swing back on Friday, ending the game 1-for-4 and playing six innings at shortstop in Binghamton's 5-2 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
Following the game, he was hesitant to comment on any timeline moving forward, turning his focus to recovering for his next start.
Mendoza, on the other hand, had a tougher time minimizing the significance of what Lindor's return would mean for the Mets. On the prospect of getting him back next week, New York's skipper said it would be "huge."
The Mets will likely look to get their veteran infielder a full game in the field on Sunday to get a feel for his stamina and confidence in his leg at this point in the rehab. But a best-case scenario would put Lindor on track to return for a crucial homestand next week where the Mets play host to the Chicago Cubs for a four-game set before welcoming the Philadelphia Phillies for another three-game series.
