Francisco Lindor is finally moving in the right direction. The Mets shortstop, who has been sidelined with a calf injury, is set to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton on Friday. Outfielder Tyrone Taylor will join him there. That’s according to Laura Albanese of Newsday Sports.
Lindor hasn’t played since early this month. The calf issue has kept him out longer than the Mets originally hoped, and there’s no exact return date yet. But this is the kind of step that gets a player back on the field. He’ll need to get some at-bats, test the leg in game situations, and see how it responds before the Mets clear him for big league action.
What the Mets Are Getting Back
Before the injury, Lindor was having a solid season. Not his usual MVP-caliber stuff, but he was hitting around .250 with 11 homers and solid defense at shortstop. The Mets have missed his presence in the lineup, especially with the team fighting to stay relevant in a crowded NL East. His defense alone changes the way the pitching staff approaches games.
Taylor, meanwhile, has been a useful bench piece. He’s not a star, but he gives the Mets depth in the outfield and can handle center field if needed. Getting both guys back — even if it takes another week or so — gives manager Carlos Mendoza more flexibility.
The Bigger Picture
The Mets sit a few games under .500 right now, and the trade deadline is closing in. How the front office approaches the next few weeks probably depends a lot on whether Lindor looks like himself when he returns. If the team can get hot and stay within striking distance, they might buy. If they keep sputtering, they could sell. Lindor’s health is the pivot point.
No official timeline beyond this rehab assignment. But it’s progress. That’s something the Mets haven’t had much of lately.
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