The Mets’ playoff push will probably be with out Francisco Lindor for a fourth straight day.
Lindor won’t be within the lineup Thursday in opposition to the Phillies resulting from his again subject because the Mets kick off a four-game homestand in opposition to the NL East leaders, based on SNY.
The NL MVP candidate had mentioned Monday he could be sidelined for three-to-five days and it now seems he’ll return — on the earliest — on the finish of that window.
Lindor final performed Sunday in opposition to these identical Phillies, enjoying one inning at shortstop earlier than being eliminated within the 2-1 walk-off loss.
He missed Saturday’s sport, his first absence of the 12 months, the prior day because of the again subject.
He mentioned his again had been bothering him for greater than week however he aggravated it Friday whereas working the bases in a blowout win over the Phillies.
Lindor acquired a clear MRI examination that opened the trail to him returning this week.
“One of the best-case state of affairs could be enjoying in opposition to the Nationals,” Lindor mentioned Monday. “However I don’t understand how practical that’s. We’ll see how I react [Tuesday] and if the trainers enable me to maneuver. I’m going to power their arms, however I respect their determination and the best way they go about issues.”
Lindor missed your entire Nationals sequence however the Mets didn’t miss a beat with out him, sweeping Washington for the third time this season.
Prospect Luisangel Acuna held down the fort in Lindor’s absence, going 5-for-8 with two homers and 4 RBIs whereas beginning at shortstop the previous two nights.
Thursday’s opener kicks off a troublesome 10-game stretch to shut the Mets’ (84-68) season that can decide whether or not they return to the playoffs for the second time in three years.
The Mets personal the No. 5 seed within the NL because of a tiebreaker benefit over the Diamondbacks and have a two-game lead over the Braves for a playoff spot.
They are going to face Atlanta on the street subsequent week — with the sequence winner proudly owning the tiebreaker after splitting the primary 10 video games — earlier than ending the 12 months in Milwaukee in opposition to the NL Central champion Brewers.
“I’m anticipating (discomfort) to final the remainder of the 12 months, however it’s going to be manageable,” Lindor mentioned earlier this week.
