Mets Anticipate Francisco Lindor's Return by Late June Following Simulated Game

The New York Mets are optimistic about having their starting shortstop, Francisco Lindor, back on the field in the coming weeks. On Friday, Lindor participated in a simulated game where he faced live pitching and played two innings at shortstop. Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, expressed confidence that Lindor could be back in the lineup by the end of June.

The 32-year-old shortstop took his at-bats against a pitcher from the Mets’ high Single-A Brooklyn team. While the specifics of his performance in those at-bats were not disclosed, the team noted that he did not run the bases after contact. Lindor also engaged in fielding drills at shortstop during the session. According to manager Carlos Mendoza, base running remains the final hurdle for Lindor before he can begin a minor-league rehabilitation assignment. “It’s more like a controlled environment that we’re simulating game action, but we’re controlling it,” Mendoza said after the event. “He’s going to do that again next week here, where instead of two innings, it’s more like three, five [innings]. And then, we’ll revisit at the end of next week to see what’s the next step.”

Lindor has been sidelined since April 23 due to a strained left calf, an injury he sustained while running the bases. The Mets plan for him to undergo two similar simulated-game workouts next week, aiming to gradually increase his defensive innings from three to five. They hope this approach will minimize the need for additional minor-league at-bats and defensive practice. “We want to go as fast as possible, as smart as possible, and that’s a delicate line,” Stearns remarked, as reported by MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. “Our expectation is that he’s going to play games for us this month.”

Before his injury, Lindor recorded a batting line of .226/.314/.355 with two home runs, two doubles, two triples, five RBIs, and two stolen bases over 105 plate appearances. In his absence, Bo Bichette has filled in at shortstop, transitioning from third base. Advanced metrics indicate that Bichette has struggled defensively, with a -4 Defensive Runs Saved and -2 Outs Above Average in 301 1/3 innings compared to Lindor's 2 DRS and 3 OAA in 210 1/3 innings.