NEW YORK — Francisco Lindor strolled into the Mets clubhouse on Monday afternoon with his usual cool demeanor.
Rocking a stylish gray crewneck, a black do-rag, and Oakley shades, the Mets shortstop made his way to his locker, exchanging greetings with everyone he passed. Whether it was a hug for a teammate, a dap-up for a media relations staff member, or a friendly smile or nod, Lindor’s easy charm was on full display.
Despite being sidelined by recurring back pain in a crucial game the day before, Lindor appeared unfazed. There were no outward signs of the immense pressure resting on his injured body. He moved with his usual grace, showing no indication of the player who had been praying in his car just hours earlier for his stellar 2024 season to continue.
“I was praying on my way to the MRI and CT scan that it was going to be something day-to-day, and the good lord answered my prayers,” Lindor shared with Yahoo Sports and other media outlets during a brief session on Monday.
Lindor mentioned that he expects to resume physical activities on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on how he feels. The switch-hitting shortstop is enjoying a career-best offensive season, boasting 31 homers, 27 steals, an .836 OPS, and exceptional defense at shortstop. He is almost certain to be a top contender for NL MVP alongside Dodgers’ standout Shohei Ohtani.
As the Mets navigate the ups and downs of their season’s final stretch, Lindor’s back issues have taken center stage. Initially keeping him out of the starting lineup on Saturday for only the second time this season, his attempt to play through the pain the next day ended in him exiting the game after just two innings.
Clutching to the final NL wild card spot, the Mets suffered gut-wrenching losses to Philadelphia in Lindor’s absence. Their star player and emotional leader could only watch from the sidelines.
Waking up on Monday tied with Atlanta for a playoff position, the Mets faced the possibility of their star player being sidelined for the remainder of the season.
However, both player and team received positive news. An MRI showed no structural damage, sparing Lindor from an injured list stint. His ailing back only requires rest and medication, with no need for a cortisone shot.
After hearing the reassuring news from the medical staff, Lindor admitted to zoning out momentarily.
On Monday night, the Mets played without Lindor but managed to secure a 2-1 victory over the Nationals in 10 innings. Meanwhile, the Braves suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Dodgers. Despite missing their key player, the Mets edged ahead in the NL wild-card race by a single game.
José Iglesias, a 34-year-old who started the season in Triple-A, stepped in at shortstop for Lindor. The veteran infielder, who gained popularity with the viral team anthem “OMG,” delivered a game-tying single in the eighth inning.
In the tenth inning, Starling Marte, battling his own injury woes throughout the season, hit a walk-off single down the left-field line. Harrison Bader scored the winning run, leading the Mets to celebrate on the field. Lindor, smiling from a distance, refrained from joining the jubilant scene. Instead, he greeted each teammate as they returned to the dugout, mirroring his interactions earlier in the day.
It was another improbable victory in a season filled with surprises for the Mets.
A year ago, the Mets started with the highest payroll in MLB history and playoff aspirations, only to finish with a disappointing 75 wins. This led to significant changes in the offseason, including a new front office under former Brewers GM David Stearns and a new manager in former Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza. Despite not making major free-agent signings, the Mets showed improvement with piecemeal upgrades.
The first two months of 2024 mirrored past struggles, but a mid-June surge propelled the Mets back into contention. Despite shying away from blockbuster trades at the deadline, the Mets continued winning, culminating in a nine-game winning streak in early September that closed the gap with Atlanta.
The Mets’ playoff fate may hinge on a crucial three-game series against the Braves in Atlanta next week. With a challenging remaining schedule, the Mets have a tough road ahead, facing off against the Nats, Phillies, Braves, and Brewers. Meanwhile, the Braves have relatively easier matchups against the Reds and Marlins before a final series against the Royals.
With 12 games left, the Mets hold a playoff spot and a renewed sense of hope. Soon, they will welcome back Francisco Lindor to bolster their postseason push.