Carlos Mendoza isn’t going to rush this one. The Mets manager met with reporters before Tuesday’s game against the Cubs and made it clear: Francisco Lindor’s return to the lineup is on hold until the team gets a full report on how the shortstop feels after a Tuesday night rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse.
Lindor has been sidelined with a nagging calf injury, and Tuesday’s game at Lehigh Valley was supposed to be a test. But Mendoza isn’t making any promises. When asked if the All-Star shortstop would be activated soon, the manager kept it simple.
“No, just gotta wait,” Mendoza said, via SNY. “Gotta wait till he gets through the game tonight. Full game for him. We’ll see where we’re at after the game. I’m pretty sure we’ll have conversations with the trainers, himself, and then we’ll make a decision on what’s next for him.”
That’s the same tone he struck on Monday, when he explained that the rehab assignment would be followed by a reevaluation. Mendoza said Lindor would play one more game in the minors, then the team would reassess based on how he felt physically.
“We’ll see whether you know he needs a day off. Is he ready to come? Just gotta wait, get through tomorrow, and we’ll have those discussions,” Mendoza said.
No Timeline Means More Waiting for Mets Fans
The Mets are in a tricky spot. They’re fighting to stay relevant in the NL East and every game matters. Lindor is the engine of this team. Without him, the offense has looked flat at times. But rushing a calf injury back too soon is a losing bet. Ask any team that’s tried it.
Lindor went on the injured list on June 16 after the calf issue flared up. At the time, the Mets called it a 10-day IL stint. But these things can linger. Calf injuries are unpredictable. A guy can feel great running the bases, then tweak it on a routine ground ball. The team knows that. That’s why they’re being cautious.
For now, the plan is simple. Lindor plays a full game Tuesday night. The training staff checks in. Mendoza talks to Lindor. Then they decide. If everything checks out, he could be back in the lineup this week. If not, it could be another few days or more.
No one is saying it out loud, but the clock is ticking. The Mets have a tough stretch coming up and they need their star shortstop. But Mendoza is sticking to the script: wait and see. It’s not the answer fans want. But it’s the one they’re getting.
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