Mets Fall to Phillies as Lindor's Back Issues Persist
The New York Mets suffered a setback on Sunday, falling to the Philadelphia Phillies. Adding to their woes was the early exit of star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who left the game in the second inning due to recurring back discomfort.
Lindor's back issues have been a persistent problem, causing him to miss Saturday’s game and leave Friday’s game prematurely. The Mets' medical team acted swiftly, and Lindor underwent an MRI on Monday. Thankfully, the initial MRI results were encouraging, but concerns about his immediate availability remain.
The Mets find themselves in a precarious position, tied with the Atlanta Braves for the final National League wild-card spot. Interestingly, the Braves also lost their game on Sunday, maintaining the status quo in this heated race for a playoff berth.
Despite his injury woes, Lindor has been a standout performer this season. With a slash line of .271/.342/.494, he has demonstrated his offensive prowess. His contributions also include 31 home runs, 39 doubles, and 27 stolen bases, underscoring his value to the Mets.
Even before his untimely exit on Sunday, Lindor made an impact, singling to center as the game leadoff and also throwing out Trea Turner in the first inning. His absence was keenly felt as the game progressed, and the Mets could not muster enough to overcome the Phillies.
Mets manager Carlos Beltrán addressed the situation regarding Lindor's health, noting, "He could miss ‘three to five days’ or ‘two to three,’ depending upon how his back reacts in the next few days."
In a season where health and performance have been critical factors, the Mets are cautiously optimistic about Lindor's recovery. His presence is vital as they vie for a playoff spot in the final stretch of the season.
While Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers remains the favorite for the National League Most Valuable Player award this year, Lindor has certainly made a strong case for consideration with his standout performances despite his injuries.
As the race for the wild-card spot intensifies, the Mets will hope for Lindor's swift recovery and return to form. His contributions both at bat and in the field are indispensable for a team that is fighting tooth and nail to secure a place in the postseason. The coming days will be crucial in determining not just Lindor’s availability, but potentially the Mets' fate in the 2024 season.